Brussels grants Spain 114.7 million in emergency funding for Ceuta

The European Commission has granted Spain 114.7 million euros in emergency assistance funding for Ceuta, following the arrival of over 80,000 migrants from Morocco in late July. This financial aid builds upon the Commission's immediate response, offering both financial and operational support from the outset. The decision reflects the Commission's unwavering solidarity with Spain in addressing this challenging situation, according to the EU executive in a statement.

The total amount is made up of 82.7 million euros from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, and 32 million from the Borders and Visa Management Instrument. The request, submitted to the EU executive on August 24, included measures to strengthen border protection, security-related infrastructure, and adequate reception capacity for migrants, including unaccompanied minors.

Funds will be allocated for enhancing border surveillance with thermal cameras and observation technology, as well as floating buoy and underwater drone systems, and deploying additional personnel and equipment. It will also help create facilities for migrant control and support the return of individuals in irregular situations in Ceuta.

For unaccompanied minors, the Commission aims to increase reception capacity within the autonomous city. The financial assistance also has a retroactive aspect, enabling payment of up to 80% of the granted amount within 30 days of the Commission signing the subsidy agreement with Spain. Moreover, the Commission's response to Spain's request for increased presence by European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), police cooperation (Europol), and asylum agency (EUAA) will continue to coordinate, although arrangements will be made between these agencies and Spanish authorities.

Frontex is ready to extend all existing joint operation plans in Spain for 2027 to ensure continuous deployment of agency agents in Ceuta. This support may include maritime deployment, enhanced information exchange under Eurosur, repatriation assistance, and cooperation with Morocco. Europol has confirmed it will maintain cooperation with Spanish police authorities, particularly regarding investigations into migrant smuggling networks and strategic analysis, while EUAA is willing to provide support in interviews and interpretation.

The situation in Ceuta tested European resilience and external border security. The EU's Interior Commissioner, Magnus Brunner, emphasized that those without the right to remain in the territory should be repatriated.