Brussels, 10/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 6 November, the European Commission announced that it had agreed to fund the multiannual programme for the integration of third country nationals. No fewer than eight EU countries (Spain, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania) will develop European Integration Fund implementation programmes for 2007-13 and receive total Community funding of nearly €185 million. Jacques BARROT, the Commissioner responsible for the Justice, Freedom and Security portfolio, welcomed in a press release the fact that, with the launch of its multiannual program, countries have shown their commitment towards the integration of third country nationals. (B.C./trans/rh)