TRIPOLI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- The delegation of the European Union (EU) to Libya has announced a new program worth 50 million euros (61.96 million U.S. dollars) to support Libyan cities most affected by illegal immigration flows.
"Formulated jointly by the European Commission and Italy, the program will be launched by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa to support local governance and to improve services for vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees and host communities," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement on Tuesday.
The program will be implemented in coordination with the Libyan UN-backed government, taking into account the needs of local population as well as those of migrants and vulnerable groups in order to foster better inclusion and stability, the statement said.
"The EU will continue to stay at the side of Libyans and of all the people in need," said Mogherini.
The EU has committed 237 million euros (293.67 million dollars) to address challenges in Libya via the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa.
Libya is a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean towards European shores, due to the state of insecurity and chaos that followed the 2011 uprising.
