Press Advisories

4. 11. 2015 18:22

Premier Sobotka informed EC President Juncker of a significant increase of Czech financial assistance provided regarding the current migration crisis

In his letter sent today, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka informed President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker on an extraordinary financial contribution made by the Czech Republic to the funds and institutions involved in relieving the causes of the current migration crisis and in providing humanitarian aid. In this respect, the Czech government has allocated 105 million crowns for financial assistance in this year and 68 million for the same purpose in next year.

The Czech Republic will support with financial contributions the EU trust funds for Syria and Africa. Moreover, the Czech Republic will also increase its contribution for activities conducted by the World Food Program and for support of humanitarian operations overseen by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Syria and Lebanon.

"The extraordinary increase of the financial contribution approved by the Cabinet this week shows that solidary activities aimed at helping third and transit countries are regarded by the Czech Republic to be one of key instruments for resolving the migration crisis. The Czech Republic continues to help those who are in dire need of assistance because of having to leave their homes," explained Sobotka.

The Cabinet's decision comes in the wake of an agreement with European partners reached at meetings of the European Council in September and October follows in the footsteps of solidary activities conducted by the Czech Republic on a long-term basis under numerous regional and EU-wide projects.

Apart from financial assistance, the Czech Republic provides material aid as well as experts who assist in coping with migration-related pressures. At the present time, Czech specialists are providing assistance in Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia. In October, the Czech Republic provided 10 large-capacity army tents with equipment for 150 people to Croatia, 22 smaller-size tents with equipment for 110 people to Slovenia, and 10 large-capacity army tents with equipment for 150 people to Macedonia. Similar assistance was provided to Hungary.

Under a bilateral agreement, 50 Czech police officers have been deployed on the Hungarian territory to conduct joint patrols. Likewise, 20 Czech policemen will be dispatched to the Slovenian border. The Czech Republic also provides specialists, equipment, and financial assistance for missions and projects organized by the Frontex and EASO Agencies. Czech authorities have nominated 15 experts to so-called hotspots in Greece and Italy. The overal number of Czech police officers taking part in operations organised by the Frontex Agency has increased to 40 since last year. The Czech Republic is prepared to further increase the number of nominated national experts if requested.

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