EESC opinion: Asylum and Migration Fund - Internal Security Fund

Key points

• The European Commission's proposals on the 2014-2020 budget for home affairs are crucial in terms of creating an area of freedom, security and justice, and a more open, secure and solidarity-based Europe.  The EESC is in favour of increasing the importance of the Asylum and Migration and Internal Security Funds within the budget.

• It is essential that all actions funded are based on policies, that they have European added value and that they contribute to the achievement of the EU's political objectives.

• The EESC welcomes the Commission's efforts to simplify the financial instruments.

• The Committee agrees that national programmes should be based on the principle of partnership, but believes that better systems are needed for participation by all stakeholders: national, regional and local authorities, civil society organisations and social partners.

• The Committee proposes that the financial resources for "Union actions" be increased, since they have great European added value.  20% of the fund should be allocated to these actions.
• The protection of human rights and respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights should be fully guaranteed in all actions funded by the Asylum and Migration and Internal Security Funds.

Four referrals: COM(2011) 750 final, COM(2011) 751 final, COM(2011) 752 final and COM(2011) 753 final