Statement on the Partnership Principle in the EU Asylum and Migration Fund

Project Description

In November 2011, the European Commission published a set of legislative proposals on EU funding in the area of Home Affairs for the period 2014-2020, which are currently being discussed by the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission. As part of these proposals, an Asylum and Migration Fund (AMF) will be created, which will play an important role in financing activities addressing the needs of asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants across Europe.

The proposals establish in each EU Member State a “partnership” with key stakeholders for the development and implementation of national programmes for the Asylum and Migration Fund and the Internal Security Fund.

We very much welcome the fact that the European Commission fully acknowledges the importance of a partnership between Member States and all stakeholders. Migration issues are by their very nature complex and are addressed by a large number of actors, such as governments, civil society and international organisations. In most Member States, non-governmental actors provide much needed assistance to asylum-seekers, refugees and other categories of migrants. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and international organisations have extensive experience in delivering services on the ground and can respond in a flexible manner to specific situations, profiles and needs. This rich experience and knowledge should be included in the programming of the AMF by means of a partnership principle, which implies an on-going structured dialogue with these actors. Such a partnership would ensure that funding priorities match identified needs, but also that, at a time of austerity, EU funding can be used for actions that focus on persons and families that are most in need, and that offer highest cost-benefit outcomes and the largest impact possible.

This Statement is endorsed by the following organisations: