Brussels allocates €114.7 million to Spain to reinforce the border and migration management in Ceuta

Aquí Europa/The Diplomat The European Commission approved €114.7 million in emergency aid for Spain on Wednesday to manage the migration situation in Ceuta following irregular entries on July 30 and 31. The Commission also coordinated increased operational support for Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA). The funding responds to Spain's request submitted on August 24 and will come from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, which will contribute €82.7 million, and the Border and Visa Management Instrument, with an additional €32 million. The funds will allow for strengthened border surveillance and protection, and will finance security infrastructure and equipment, as well as the deployment of additional personnel. The aid will also cover the establishment of facilities for the registration and control of migrants, the return of those residing irregularly in Ceuta, and the strengthening of reception capacity, including that for unaccompanied minors. Albares and Vivas The announcement coincides with a two-day visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, to Brussels, where he is meeting with officials from European institutions to "advance a better integration of Ceuta and Melilla into the European Union through their participation in the various European instruments and bodies" and to address the "permanent presence in the autonomous cities of European agencies, such as Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Asylum Agency." "The €114.7 million in aid for Ceuta requested by Spain from the EU is now available," José Manuel Albares wrote on social media. "Ceuta is in our hearts and now also in the hearts of Europe," he added. The announcement also comes a day after the president of the autonomous city, Juan Jesús Vivas, visited the EU capital to meet with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica. From Brussels, he called for greater involvement from EU institutions in border protection and migration management. Vivas stated that the mass influx of migrants was made possible by the "participation or consent of Morocco" and denounced a "constant policy of harassment" toward Ceuta and Melilla. In this regard, he accused Morocco of using border controls and migratory pressure to "jeopardize our territorial integrity, to cause the collapse of our reception services, and to destabilize Ceuta in every respect." The president of Ceuta called for a greater European presence through Frontex and the European Union Asylum Agency, as well as financial support for border infrastructure and care for unaccompanied foreign minors. The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, emphasized on Wednesday that "the situation in Ceuta is a challenge not only for Spain, but for Europe as a whole. Spain can count on our full solidarity and support." Šuica also noted that the aid will allow for addressing "the most urgent needs, including reception, returns, and reintegration," and stressed that "returns, including those of minors, in accordance with international law, are the priority." The Commissioner also highlighted cooperation with Mediterranean partners, including Morocco, to manage migration, strengthen security, and combat trafficking networks. For his part, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, stated that the situation in Ceuta "was a test of our European resilience and the security of our external borders." "From day one, the Commission has firmly supported the Spanish authorities in managing the situation and has offered its assistance," he indicated. Brunner added that the decision adopted this Wednesday represents "additional concrete European support to address the urgent needs on the ground." "Our priority remains clear: those who do not have the right to remain must be returned," he affirmed. Frontex and Europol In parallel with the financial aid approved by the European Commission, Frontex will expand its existing operational plans in Spain in 2027. The extension of the joint operation Minerva has already been agreed upon and will allow for the continued deployment of the agency's permanent staff in Ceuta. Support may include maritime assets, increased information sharing through Eurosur, and assistance with returns, both before and after operations, as well as cooperation with Morocco. Europol will continue to collaborate with Spanish law enforcement authorities, particularly in investigations into migrant smuggling networks and in strategic analysis, while the EUAA has confirmed its willingness to provide support with interviews and interpretation services. The Commission and the European agencies will maintain contact with the Spanish authorities to coordinate the implementation of the measures. To this end, a joint working group will be established, comprised of representatives from the Commission, the agencies, and the Spanish contact points. The first meeting is scheduled for this week, as is a second technical visit by the Commission to Ceuta. Once the grant agreement is signed, the Commission will have 30 days to disburse up to 80% of the approved funds. The funding may cover eligible actions retroactively from the start of the emergency.

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