The European Union adopts today new programmes and projects worth a total of €467 million under the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The EU continues to deliver on its commitments to assist vulnerable migrants and refugees and address root causes of irregular migration. The new support measures in the Sahel/ Lake Chad region and the Horn of Africa will foster stability, jobs and growth, especially for young people and vulnerable groups. They complement ongoing bilateral and multilateral efforts, such as through the Joint African Union – European Union – United Nations Task Force. Today's additional funds will allow for live-saving assistance to be taken forward, including accelerating resettlements of refugees from Niger as a priority. High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: "We continue working to save lives, provide safe and dignified returns and legal avenues, and tackle the root causes of migration, by creating jobs and growth. With the UNHCR, we have evacuated 1,287 refugees from Libya to Niger, who need to be resettled swiftly now. With the IOM, we helped 22,000 people to return home and provide reintegration assistance. Today's additional commitments will further consolidate our work towards managing human mobility - in a humane, secure and dignified way together with our partners.” Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said: "The majority of today's €467 million assistance package will be dedicated towards improving employment opportunities, especially for young people. But challenges remain, and the Trust Fund's resources are running out. If we want to continue our live-saving assistance, additional contributions by EU member states' and other donors will be crucial."
Source: European Commission