The European Union is granting 2.4 billion euros to EU nations to upgrade their migration programs with the biggest sums going to Greece and Italy where thousands of refugees have arrived this year.

More than 192,000 migrants have arrived in Europe by sea this year, and more than 2,000 are believed to have died attempting the perilous Mediterranean crossing.

The aid announced Monday is for use through to 2020 to build up migrant reception capacities, improve asylum procedures, better integrate people who arrive and speed the return of those not allowed to stay.

Money will also be offered for improving border management, surveillance, and security.

Italy will receive almost 560 million euros, while Greece will get around 474 million euros.