14/03/2019 (Agence Europe) – The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomed the vote on first reading in the plenary session on Wednesday 13 March concerning the report on the ‘Asylum and Migration’ Fund prepared by Miriam Dalli (S&D, Malta) (see EUROPE 12213/9). First of all, CEMR welcomed the 50% increase of the budget, which MEPs have increased to €10 billion. The organisation is especially pleased that at least 5% of the total budget is reserved for local governments and that national governments will have to collaborate, by applying the principle of partnership, with these same local governments in defining their national strategies for managing migration flows and on how to direct funding. In addition, the organisation welcomed the increase in the co-financing rate for activities implemented by local and regional governments. (PH)