First steps taken to implement the Malta Declaration: EU Trust Fund for Africa adopts €90 million programme on protection and improved migration management in Libya

Following-up on the Malta Declaration of 3 February, the EU Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa, upon proposal from the European Commission, has adopted today €90 million to reinforce protection and resilience of migrants, refugees and host communities in Libya. High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini said: "For the European Union, Libya and the Libyans have been and stay a top priority. We are working to promote a political solution to the Libyan crisis and to support the Libyan authorities on the many challenges they have to face, including the managing of the migration flows. As the first donor for Libya, we already are providing a sizeable package of support worth €120 million to assist the authorities and the population. And while we are working to provide training and capacity building to the coast guard to save lives in the Mediterranean Sea, we are addressing the appalling situation the migrants stranded in Libya face, together with international organisations such as IOM and UNHCR. The additional €90 million we adopt today are aimed at protecting and assisting migrants in the country, and the people who host them. Our aim remains cooperating in protecting lives, and promoting peace and stability in Libya. The European Union is doing its part and the Libyan authorities, all of them, have to do theirs." Commissioner Hahn added: "At the initiative of the European Commission, the EU Trust Fund for Africa is taking rapid action on a pressing priority for both the EU and our partner countries. By supporting actions in Libya, today's newly adopted programme will address the needs of the migrants and contribute to a better management of migration flows. In addition, the projects will also support improved socio-economic conditions for all in Libya, and thus contribute to reducing the drivers of irregular migration and make the smugglers' task more difficult". The programme will support improved migration management in the country, taking into account the complex socio-economic conditions in Libya and the need to assist all affected populations, including vulnerable migrants, refugees and host communities, internally displaced persons and returnees. Activities will focus on protection, such as assistance to migrants and refugees through primary healthcare, and socio-economic development and local governance, through strengthening capacities of local authorities to provide services and foster local development and stability. The programme will be implemented through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). For more information, a full press release and a factsheet on EU-Libya relations are available online.