The European Commission brought together on 8 April 2011, representatives from Member States and EU institutions, as well as international organisations and civil society in order to debate over the future of funding in the field of Home Affairs for the next programming period. The Conference on „The Future of EU Funding for Home Affairs: A fresh look“ focused on how EU funding for Home Affairs can support EU approach to migration and asylum, as well as fighting against terrorism and organised crime.
The Conference on „The Future of EU Funding for Home Affairs: A fresh look“ held in Brussels on 8 April was part of a wide-ranging review of all aspects of EU spending launched by the European Commission in October 2010, and specially focused on taking a fresh look at home affairs spending priorities and delivery mechanisms. This debate builds on the results of a public consultation on EU funding in the area of home affairs after 2013, which took place between 5 January and 20 March 2011. Further to this consultation, the Commission believes there is a need to simplify the existing financial instruments and their management in the area of Home Affairs.
Now that the Lisbon Treaty has defined and strengthened the responsibilities held by the European Commission in the field of Home Affairs, it is time for the Commission to clarify its role in this field and define the scope for action. Regarding this issue, whereas the Stockholm Programme and its Action Plan have defined the scope of EU action until 2014, EU funding for Home Affairs policies after 2013 should look beyond this roadmap and focus on delivering results, demonstrating a real EU added value and showing how the EU budget complements national budgets.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström, highlighted that a more open and secure Europe requires adequate funding directed to areas where we Europe is facing collective challenges. On her address to the delegates, Commissioner Malmström took a short review to the issues which are currently requiring a public response from the European Union in the field of Home affairs. These challenges include legal and irregular immigration, integration, asylum and return, as well as the external dimension of such policies, and the activities carried out by the Agencies working in this field.
It is important to be aware, Commissioner Malmström said, that although the discussion over budgetary issues takes place at a time of low economic growth and great budgetary pressures, it is also important to emphasise the clear efficiency gains generated by financial cooperation via the EU budget on border management, asylum and tackling cross-border crime and terrorist threats. However, these efficiency gains will only materialise if all stakeholders have the right delivery mechanisms in place.
Home Affairs Budget, current situation
The budget for Home Affairs policies for the period 2007-2013 amounts to € 6,449 million which represents around 0.77% of the total EU budget, and falls under Heading 3a „Freedom, Security and Justice“.
This budget covers Home affairs General Programmes „Security and Liberties“ and „Solidarity and Migration Flows“ with notably four Funds (the European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals, the European Refugee Fund, the External Borders Fund and the European Return Fund), and also EU agencies under DG Home responsibility.
