Ex-post Evaluation of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the 2014-2020 programming period

Key points

The EESC:

• recognises that the AMIF has been essential in responding to the needs of Member States in the areas of asylum, migration and integration. However, administrative burdens risk undermining the effectiveness of projects as staff are forced to spend more time on paperwork than on implementing activities on the ground;

• recommends that the design and implementation of AMIF should be further improved to take  into consideration the specific challenges and needs of all EU countries (depending on whether they are first arrival, transit or destination countries) and their structures and capacities;

• recommends that input from the EESC, social partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders involved in projects should also be gathered during the ex-ante and mid-term evaluation stages and incorporated into the design and implementation of the future programme to make it more effective;

• stresses that more flexibility in the implementation of activities is necessary to address local and individual priorities and needs in a timely manner, especially for those with specific vulnerabilities;

• notes that project initiators must be able to receive confirmation of funding with reasonable notice, and funds must be sufficient to cover the entire duration of the projects and they must arrive on time;

• stresses that bureaucracy and administrative requirements must be lightened and simplified, and the administrative burden must be reduced;

• points out that the fund has created excellent opportunities for building stronger links and networks between stakeholders. Communication and cooperation between project promoters and the responsible public authorities should be improved;

• stresses that monitoring/supervisory committees for the AMIF Fund should be set up in all Member States, and civil society organisations and social partners involved in this area must be full members of these committees.