Brussels announced on Wednesday the granting of emergency aid of €115 million to Spain to strengthen the Union’s external borders and organize the return of migrants still present in the enclave of Ceuta.
The European Commission approved this funding following a formal request submitted by Madrid on August 24. The funds will be used to finance surveillance equipment — thermal cameras, floating buoy systems, underwater drones — as well as to establish migrant registration infrastructures and support expulsion procedures for those illegally present on the territory.
The Commission Vice-President, Henna Virkkunen, justified the decision in unequivocal terms: “The situation in Ceuta has put our external borders under pressure. Our message remains clear: we are determined to combat illegal migration and ensure the swift return of those who remain illegally in Ceuta.”
The crisis erupted on July 30 and 31, when more than 72,000 people crossed en masse the border separating Morocco from the Spanish enclave. Dozens of migrants died during the crossing, most by drowning. While the vast majority have since been returned to Morocco, thousands remain on site, including a significant number of unaccompanied minors living in precarious conditions.
The event caused sharp tensions within the European Union, notably between the left-wing government of Pedro Sanchez and the far-right executive of Italy. The Spanish Prime Minister stated that there was “no solid evidence” of Moroccan authorities’ involvement in the influx. However, Madrid’s main criminal court opened an investigation on Monday to determine whether African authorities facilitated this massive and illegal crossing.
