EU shares out (a few) immigrants

Since joining the EU in 2004, Malta has seen a significant increase in the number of migrants arriving on its territory. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), in 2008, Italy and Malta were the landing points for almost half of the 67,000 people who crossed the Mediterranean to seek asylum in Europe. Malta has repeatedly asked for assistance from the European Union to cope with this situation, and now it appears that it's request has been heeded.

Along with three other countries situated on the southern borders of Europe — Italy, Greece and Cyprus — Malta will soon benefit from a programme for the Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows, which will shortly be launched by the European Commission. "The United States has pledged to open its doors to several hundred refugees from Malta, and the European Commissioner responsible for questions of Migration, Jacques Barrot, is hoping that EU member States will also provide assistance before the autumn," reports [Le Monde](http://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/2009/07/09/les-etats-europeens-devront-etre-solidaires-face-a-l-afflux-des-migrants-a-leurs-portes_1217116_0.html). The Netherlands, Ireland, Lithuania, Germany and Portugal have already taken between 10 and 30 individuals. France will shortly admit a further 100. Under the terms of the voluntary programme, the Commission will take charge of the cost of integrating refugees for a period of one year.