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Delegations discuss how EU funds can enhance border externalisation

Delegations discuss how EU funds can enhance border externalisation

A letter (pdf, partially redacted) sent by the Polish presidency to the Working Party on External Aspects of Asylum and Migration (EMWP) on 12 June 2025 explores ways the EU’s budget can be more effectively used as leverage in convincing third countries to cooperate on border externalisation measures.

The letter was looking ahead to the presentation of proposals for the next long-term EU budget, and built upon discussions at previous meetings of the SCIFA and MOCADEM working parties. It notes a desire among delegations for “experience sharing and mutual coordination” on external funding mechanisms, particularly in light of the US drastically cutting overseas aid and a general reduction of such funding globally.

The EU has various budgets relevant to the “external dimension” of migration and asylum. Particularly important are the NDICI-Global Europe fund and the Instrument for Pre-Accession, which provides funds for EU candidate states. However, “home affairs” funds can also be used.

The presidency’s interest was in better coordinating these mechanisms to deliver the most effective external border management outcomes – particularly with home affairs funds only offering “limited targeted possibilities” in light of safeguards which “must be respected.”

Particular attention is given to NDICI-Global Europe, given its size (nearly €80 billion) and the conclusion from the 2024 mid-term budget review that the fund was under-resourced for the tasks at hand.

While much of the substance of the letter appears to have been censored, the issues raised are reflected in the Commission’s budget proposals. As Statewatch previously explained, they include more flexible funding pools, a considerable increase in overall funding and new rules to financially penalise developing countries if they do not cooperate with the EU’s deportation regime.