In addition to Germany, France, Spain and Italy, Switzerland is also involved in the initiatives.
(Photo: dpa)
Brussels In the future, the EU wants to work more closely with African countries to curb unwanted migration across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. A good two billion euros are being made available with various partners, as the EU Commission announced in Brussels on Monday. The goals of the cooperation are, for example, to strengthen border controls, fight smugglers and increase returns to the countries of origin. In addition, this should also ensure better protection for migrants and pave the way for legal entry into the EU – for example via partnerships with specialists.
The two so-called Team Europe initiatives deal with two different migration routes. One leads through the central, one through the western Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Depending on the route, different countries of origin, transit and destination work together. In addition to Germany, France, Spain and Italy, Switzerland is also involved in the initiatives.
It is the responsibility of Europe and Africa to prevent the Mediterranean from becoming a graveyard for people and hopes, Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas said in Brussels on Monday. “First and foremost, we want to save lives.” Recent developments in the Mediterranean made it clear how important cooperation is.
At the same time, the EU Commission announced that it had released 220 million euros to support refugees and for border protection in Turkey. The money is part of a financial package that includes almost three billion euros from 2021 to 2023. The EU heads of state and government agreed on the aid in June 2021.
Top jobs of the day
Find the best jobs now and
be notified by email.
More: France wants to tighten its immigration and asylum laws