For further information on current funding mechanisms with effect from November 2007 please click here

Background to European Refugee Fund

On 28th September 2000, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision (2000/596/EC) establishing a European Refugee Fund (ERF). The purpose of the fund is to support and encourage the efforts of Member States in the reception of asylum seekers, integration of refugees and voluntary repatriation projects. A total of €216 million was allocated by the Commission for the implementation of the fund which began operating with effect from 1st January 2000 and will continue until 31st December 2004. The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is the designated responsible authority for the administration of the fund in Ireland.

Following the confirmation of the amount of funding allocated to Ireland each year, the RIA publish advertisements in the national press, calling for project proposals from organisations/groups working in this area.

In line with Article 9 of EU Council Decision 2000/596/EC the project proposals must be non-profit making in nature and the organisations presenting proposals should be one of the following:

• Public Authority (national, regional or local
• Educational or Research Institute
• Training Establishment
• Social Partners
• Government Agencies
• International Organisations
• Non-governmental Organisations (NGO's)

Selection of suitable projects is carried out by a selection committee, especially appointed each year by the RIA and comprising representatives from both Government and NGO sectors with experience in the fields of reception, integration and repatriation. For further details of the projects selected in Ireland since 2000 please visit the links below:

Projects 2004

Projects 2003

Projects 2002

Projects 2001

Projects 2000

Further information on the ERF can be found on the following web sites:

EU Commission - Justice and Home Affairs