Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission

12.9.2015

The planned center is not an asylum centre for refugees but a pilot multi-purpose migrant centre proposed in the European Agenda on Migration to be set up in Niger by the end of 2015. Working with the International Organisation for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Nigerien authorities, it will combine provision of information, local protection and resettlement opportunities for those in need. Such centres in countries of origin or transit aim at providing a realistic picture of the likely success of migrants' journeys, and offer assisted voluntary return options for irregular migrants.

The general objective is to help to increase Niger's capacities in dealing effectively with complex migration flows, support the most vulnerable migrants and their host communities in accessing basic assistance, and promote alternatives to irregular migration.

The project will complement other EU actions, such as the assistance to Niger in drafting a national migration strategy, the reinforcement of the European Union CSDP Mission in Niger and the ongoing pilot information campaign.

A successful response to the challenge of irregular migration requires close cooperation between the EU and the countries of origin and transit. The EU has therefore stepped up the dialogue with the African Union and key African countries concerned, including for the preparations of a Migration Summit to be held in Malta in November. We are committed to increase our cooperation with partner countries in all areas of migration management, including on addressing irregular migration and forced displacement. In this context, financial support and technical assistance will be provided to additional migrant support centres in African countries.