Brussels, 10/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 9 July, France took in 92 refugees coming from Malta but originating in Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka and Côte d'Ivoire. The migrants - two isolated minors, 80 adults and their children - will be divided between accommodation centres in various localities in France. Since Malta entered the European Union in 2004 and given its proximity to Africa, the country has undergone strong migratory pressure. The Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Portugal and Lithuania have already taken in between 10 and 30 migrants each. France's gesture marks the forthcoming start of a mechanism for the internal resettlement of refugees and beneficiaries of international protection promoted by the European Commission, which aims to develop intra-European solidarity towards the southern border countries of the Union which are exposed to heavy migratory flows. The European commissioner for migration issues, Jacques Barrot, has undertaken to present a proposal to the Council along these lines (EUROPE 9915 and 9914). The programme will be on a voluntary basis and will benefit from Community financial support within the framework of the European Fund for Refugees. The theme of solidarity when it comes to asylum will be the subject of a debate in Stockholm on 16 and 17 July on the occasion of an informal meeting of European justice and home affairs ministers. (B.C./transl/jl)