The European Union is increasing the extent of its funding for measures in the fields of asylum and migration, integrated border management and internal security, to face the growing challenges in these policy areas.

The Council has adopted three sectoral proposals for the funding of policies in terms of internal affairs, within the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework.

This funding will equip the EU with the tools required to meet the developing migratory challenges, both within the EU and in cooperation with third countries. It establishes four specific objectives: asylum policy, migration and legal integration, irregular migration and returns, and solidarity and sharing of responsibilities between Member States. The minimum percentages for the funding are linked to some of the objectives, with a minimum of 15% allocated to each of the objectives relating to asylum and legal migration set by Member States, and 20% allocated for solidarity.

With regard to the solidarity objective, the funding will increase incentives for transfers of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection between Member States. Incentives will also continue for the admission of persons by means of resettlement and humanitarian admissions.

The asylum, migration and integration fund also covers actions in third countries or in relation with the latter, recognising the role of other EU funds designed to deal with external action.

The text agreed reflects recent developments such as the expansion of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, the modernisation of the common visa policy, and the development and interoperability of large-scale computer systems (including the European system for the notification and authorisation of journeys and entry/exit).

According to the new mechanism, a minimum of 10% will be allocated to Member States’ programmes for visa policy, while the maximum percentage of financial support for the programmes has increased to 33% of the funding.

The new provisions also improve the simplification, flexibility, profitability and cooperation and coordination between the various national authorities. Assets acquired with a financial contribution from this mechanism will also be used in other areas, including Customs and maritime operations or those intended to attain the objectives of the other two internal affairs funds.

The fund is based on the current version and adapts it to new developments such as the need to intensify the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, serious and organised crime and cybercrime. It will provide support for improving the exchanging of information, for intensifying trans-border cooperation, including joint operations against terrorism and organised crime, and for strengthening the capacity to prevent and combat crime.

The financing for the purchase of equipment has been increased for Member States’ programmes up to a maximum of 35%, while operational support has been increased up to a maximum of 20%. Decentralised agencies will exceptionally receive funding when they contribute to the implementation of EU initiatives that are within their area of competence and which are not covered by the EU’s contribution to its budget obtained through the EU’s annual budget.

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