Asylum and Migration Fund (AMF) and Integrated Border Management Fund

The EESC welcomes the new funds, very different to each other, that will give continuity to the work undertaken, and approves of the increase in their financial allocation. Equal treatment and anti-discrimination policies represent the pillars of European policies, including those concerning the integration of third-country nationals. The removal of the word "integration" from the title is worrying, as this could be seen as reflecting diminishing concern for this aspect. The Committee welcomes the importance given to flexibility in both funds, as this entails acknowledging the importance of better reflecting the needs of each Member States within the framework of joint action.

Key points

The EESC:

• notes that joint management of migration in the EU as a process is incomplete: over recent years, this situation has degenerated into an institutional crisis that has revealed the lack of a common European voice. The current state of affairs has been prompted by the inability of the EU Member States to put in place the common asylum system;
• considers that the policies of freedom, security and justice must be based on the protection of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
• welcomes the new funds, very different to each other, that will give continuity to the work undertaken, and approves of the increase in their financial allocation. The funds are instruments that should help a comprehensive European migration and asylum policy to move forward. They cover such diverse areas as migration, asylum and the management of external borders, but the absence of any mention of regular channels for access to the European Union, which would also ensure smooth functioning in these areas, is to be regretted;
• considers that application of the principle of solidarity should be strengthened so it is not seen as an empty word;
• stresses that equal treatment and anti-discrimination policies represent the pillars of European policies, including those concerning the integration of third-country nationals. The removal of the word "integration" from the title is worrying, as this could be seen as reflecting diminishing concern for this aspect;
• welcomes the importance given to flexibility in both funds, as this entails acknowledging the importance of better reflecting the needs of each Member States within the framework of joint action;
• is pleased that border management can be used to increase the Union's internal security while fully respecting fundamental rights, but regrets that there is no specific mention of the protection of fundamental rights at border installations.