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Europe is at risk if it fails to help Africa, says President Jean-Claude Juncker

The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has called on the European Union member states to contribute to Africa or face risks of migrant influx.

Juncker said on Wednesday during the EU’s State of the Union Address that Europe could face a repeat of the 2015 high influx of migrants when the UN’s World Food Programme ran out of funds.

“Our €2.7 billion EU-Africa Trust Fund is creating employment opportunities across the continent. The EU budget fronted the bulk of the money, but all our Member States combined have still only contributed €150 million. The Fund is currently reaching its limits,” he said.

“We know the dangers of a lack of funding – in 2015 many migrants headed towards Europe when the UN’s World Food Programme ran out of funds. I call on all Member States to now match their actions with their words and ensure the Africa Trust Fund does not meet the same fate,” Juncker added.

We know the dangers of a lack of funding – in 2015 many migrants headed towards Europe when the UN’s World Food Programme ran out of funds. I call on all Member States to now match their actions with their words.

He reiterated the Commission’s effort to end the migrant’s crisis with a new set of proposals, including increased level of deportations, more aid to Africa and opening legal pathways for migration, which will be presented before the end of September.

The EU is the biggest humanitarian donor to Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire will host the 5th African Union – European Union Summit in November 2017 to further strengthen the partnership between the two continents.

Ismail Akwei

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