site.btaBulgaria to Receive CHF 21 Mln from Switzerland for Migration Management

Voting in two readings during a single sitting on Thursday, the Bulgarian National Assembly ratified a framework agreement between the governments of Bulgaria and Switzerland concerning the implementation of the Second Swiss Contribution to selected European Union member states to support measures in the field of migration.

In the area of cohesion, the Second Swiss Contribution has served to allocate CHF 1,102,000,000 to selected beneficiary countries. In addition to the contribution in cohesion policy, Switzerland also implements specific measures in the field of migration, aimed at supporting EU countries managing significant migration flows, with a total value of up to CHF 200,000,000, the Bulgarian government said in its reasoning for the ratification bill.

The framework agreement provides for Bulgaria to receive financial assistance of CHF 21.35 million. It has been agreed to fund a programme called Migration Management and Integration Support, covering two thematic areas and five components. One of its objectives is the implementation of effective and high-quality asylum procedures in accordance with applicable EU legislation. The total value of this component is CHF 9 million.

Another objective focuses on improving infrastructure, particularly reception conditions, including the establishment of a Unit for the Initial Reception of Unaccompanied Refugee and Migrant Children, and the enhancement of accommodation and living conditions. The total value of this component is CHF 11.95 million.

The programme will be managed by the International Projects Directorate at the Ministry of the Interior. The directorate has the necessary capacity to manage programmes funded by the EU and other donors in the field of asylum and migration. Technical support for the programme will be provided by the National Coordination Unit.

According to the framework agreement, Bulgaria bears full responsibility for achieving the objectives of the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, ensuring co-financing of support measures, and for the management and control of the Cooperation Programme.