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The European Commission has granted the Spanish government 114.7 million euros from its emergency aid fund to deal with the migration crisis that Ceuta has been facing since the end of July, in what the institution describes as an act of “solidarity” with Spain.
“This financial assistance comes on top of the Commission’s immediate response from day one, when it offered Spain both financial and operational support,” the Commission said in a statement. “The decision once again demonstrates the Commission’s full solidarity with Spain in dealing with this difficult situation.”
The funding comes from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, which will provide 82.7 million euros, and from the Border Management and Visa Instrument, which will provide a further 32 million. The money will be used to reinforce border surveillance and protection and security infrastructure, with equipment such as thermal cameras, monitoring systems, buoys and underwater drones.
The aid will also make it possible to deploy additional staff and equipment, create facilities for screening migrants and support the return of those who are in Ceuta irregularly. It will also help to strengthen the city’s reception capacity, including care for unaccompanied minors.
Brussels has also coordinated the mobilisation of support from European agencies. Frontex will maintain its joint operation Minerva and is ready to expand other operational plans in Spain in 2027, while Europol will continue to work with the Spanish security forces on investigations into migrant-smuggling networks.
For its part, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) will provide support with interviews and interpretation. The Commission and the agencies will also set up a joint coordination group with the Spanish authorities, which will hold its first meeting this week.
Once the financing agreement has been signed, the Commission will have 30 days to pay up to 80% of the amount granted. The funds may also cover eligible actions carried out since the start of the emergency.