Key Takeaways:
- The European Court of Auditors highlights difficulties in evaluating the impact of EU-funded integration measures for migrants.
- The AMIF faces challenges like administrative complexity and a lack of unified monitoring across member states.
- The AMIF budget has increased to €1.9 billion for 2021–2027, yet its contributions remain difficult to measure.
- Most migrants in the EU live in Germany, Spain, France, and Italy, creating significant national-level challenges.
The European Union allocates billions of euros to support migrant integration, but the actual impact of these funds remains unclear. A recent report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA), published on December 3, shed light on critical flaws in the system. Despite ambitious objectives, the programs struggle due to poor monitoring and a lack of alignment with the real needs of migrants.
Monitoring and Bureaucratic Challenges
One of the main issues is the lack of a unified monitoring system among EU member states. Viorel Ștefan, an ECA member, noted that “without legal obligations, member states do not monitor integration actions uniformly.” This inconsistency complicates efforts to measure the contributions of initiatives like the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF).
The AMIF, which is intended to be a cornerstone of migrant integration, faces challenges at every level. Administrative complexity, limited flexibility to adapt programs locally, and unreliable data make meaningful evaluation nearly impossible.
Geography and Statistics
As of 2023, the EU was home to 27.3 million legally residing non-EU citizens, accounting for 6.1% of its population. Remarkably, three-quarters of these migrants reside in just four countries: Germany, Spain, France, and Italy. These nations face significant pressure on their local systems as migrant numbers continue to rise.
Funding and Future Prospects
For the 2021–2027 period, the AMIF’s budget has nearly doubled to €1.9 billion. Additional support comes from the European Social Fund (ESF), Erasmus+, and other programs. However, increased funding alone is not enough. Without improved coordination and oversight, the effectiveness of these efforts remains in question.
As the EU braces for new migration challenges, a reformed and more accountable approach to integration will be essential to meet the needs of both migrants and host communities.
