Proposed EU trust fund would tackle migration challenges

Migration has become a front and center issue following April’s terrible loss of life in the Mediterranean Sea, where at least five boats carrying migrants en route to Europe sank — killing more than 1,200 people. With a pressing need to find workable solutions, the European Commission presented its European Agenda on Migration outlining several concrete measures three weeks ago. Can the European Union’s 28 member states reach agreement on a comprehensive migration policy? At this year’s European Development Days in Brussels, Devex sat down with Marcus Cornaro, deputy director-general at EuropeAid to get the inside track on the agenda and the need to tackle the underlying development challenges that contribute to the situation. Cornaro characterized the migration challenge as one of the “core priorities” for President Jean-Claude Juncker’s Commission and outlined three “defining moments” in the months ahead. What are they? Watch the video below to find out more. Most experts agree that addressing the development challenges facing many countries is a vital part of solving the migrant crisis. But in light of current budget constraints in many parts of the bloc, what leverage does the European Union have to tackle the issue? Cornaro revealed that discussions are underway on proposals for a new trust fund, which he hoped would be “firmed up” before a special summit on migration to be held by the EU, the African Union, and government representatives from other key migration countries later this year. How would the fund work in practice and what does it mean for donors and their implementing partners on the ground in terms of work plans and finances? Watch the video below to see what Cornaro had to say. Stay tuned as we bring you more reaction and insider analysis from #EDD15. Read more international development news online, and subscribe to The Development Newswire to receive the latest from the world’s leading donors and decision-makers — emailed to you FREE every business day.