#MigrationEU: Commission’s new Migration Partnership Framework will deploy €8 billion over next five years

The European Commission has set out plans for a new ‘Partnership Framework’ to help focus EU action and resources on managing migration with key countries of origin and transit. The new proposal aims to match the EU's interests with the interests of third countries. Since the refugee crisis, the EU has struggled in its response to migratory pressures. The partnerships will bring together policies and instruments already at the EU's disposal.

Building on the European Agenda on Migration, the priorities are saving lives at sea, increasing returns, enabling migrants and refugees to stay closer to home and, in the long term, helping third countries' development in order to address root causes of irregular migration.

First Vice President Frans Timmermans said that if the partner countries did not improve their management of migration the EU would be prepared to reduce financial aid. The Commission will initially focus on a first group of priority third countries and will deploy €8 billion over the next five years. The first ‘compacts’ are planned with Jordan and Lebanon with Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ethiopia in quick succession. The Commission are also looking at Tunisia and Libya. The Commission say that they will ensure there are consequences for those countries who refuse to co-operate.

EU High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini said: "We are ready to increase financial and operational support and to invest in long-term economic and social development, security, rule of law and human rights, improving people’s life and tackling the drivers of migration. Our duty, and also our interest, is to give people the chance and the means for a safe and decent life."

The Commission also wants to create legal routes to dissuade people from making dangerous journeys. To this end, the EU will support the establishment of a UN-led global resettlement scheme to contribute to fair sharing of displaced persons and further discourage irregular movements.

In autumn 2016, the Commission will make a proposal for a new fund as part of an ambitious External Investment Plan to mobilise investments in developing third countries, building on the experience of the Investment Plan for Europe. €3.1 billion will be allocated to this fund and it is expected to trigger total investments of up to €31bn with the potential to increase to €62bn if EU countries and other partners match the EU contribution. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is also already working on an initiative to mobilise additional financing in Africa over the next five years. The External Investment Plan will also focus on targeted assistance to improve the business environment in the countries concerned.

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