The Commission is granting Spain 114.7 million euros and providing enhanced operational assistance to manage the situation in Ceuta

On 9 September, the Commission decided to grant Spain emergency aid of 114.7 million euros to support the management of the situation in Ceuta, following the large-scale illegal border crossings on 30 and 31 July. This financial support comes on top of the Commission’s immediate response from day one, when it offered Spain both financial and operational assistance. The decision demonstrates once again the Commission’s full solidarity with Spain in dealing with this difficult situation.

The Commission has also coordinated and facilitated the mobilisation of support from EU agencies. Frontex, Europol and the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) have responded positively to Spain’s request for operational support, further strengthening the assistance available to the Spanish authorities to manage the situation on the ground.

The decision of 9 September on emergency funding follows the request submitted by Spain on 24 August, which the Commission treated as a matter of priority, maintaining close and continuous contact with the Spanish authorities at all levels from the outset. The funding comes from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (€82.7 million) and the Border Management and Visa Instrument (€32 million). It will be used to fund measures aimed at improving border surveillance, border protection and security-related infrastructure (e.g. thermal cameras and surveillance technology, floating buoy systems, underwater drones), as well as the deployment of additional staff and equipment. It will also be used to set up migrant screening facilities and to support the return of those residing illegally in Ceuta. Furthermore, it will help to strengthen reception capacity in Ceuta, particularly for unaccompanied minors.

Furthermore, the Commission will respond to the Spanish authorities regarding the request submitted by Spain on 28 August for additional support from EU agencies.

 

More information: European Commission