Emergency Trust Fund for Africa: new actions of almost €150 million to tackle human smuggling, protect vulnerable people and stabilise communities in North Africa

The European Union, via the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, North Africa Window, adopted four new migration-related actions. They amount to€147.7 million in total and this funding will support Morocco in tackling human smuggling and irregular migration. It will also help improve the living conditions in Libyan communities, protect refugees and vulnerable migrants stranded in Libya through voluntary returns; and offer opportunities for labour migration and mobility in North Africa. Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, commented: “With this new package, we are deepening our partnership with Morocco to further reduce irregular arrivals on the Western Mediterranean route and prevent people risking their lives. Our programmes in Libya address both the needs of local communities and offer safe options to migrants stranded in Libya through voluntary returns. Lastly, we are supporting labour migration and mobility.” This new package will bring commitments under the North of Africa window to a total of €807million, responding to multiple needs across the region. For more information, please see the full press release and factsheets dedicated to the EU support on migration in Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.