EU Auditors Criticize Migrant Crisis Management, Urge Immediate Reforms

The European Union's approach to managing African migrants has been criticized by its financial watchdog, highlighting inefficiencies and human rights concerns. The European Court of Auditors' report suggests that the EU's Emergency Trust Fund for Africa needs to be more targeted in its aid and better at reporting results.

The European Union is under scrutiny for its handling of African migrant issues, as revealed by a critical report from its financial watchdog. The European Court of Auditors indicated significant flaws in the way the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa has been managed.

Set up in 2015 in response to a massive influx of migrants, the fund has grown to nearly €5 billion but has struggled to achieve its goals. Lead EU auditor Bettina Jakobsen highlighted the inadequacies in identifying the most effective approaches and ensuring human rights are upheld.

Concerns were raised about the misuse of funds and equipment, and the auditors pointed out that EU-funded projects in Libya, in particular, have been problematic. The European Commission mostly accepted the criticisms and recommendations for improvement, pledging to enhance its risk identification and mitigation strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)