Spain requested EU emergency financial aid on Monday 24 August in order to strengthen security infrastructure at the border between Ceuta and Morocco and increase reception capacity in the enclave, according to a European Commission spokesperson on Tuesday 25 August.
According to our information, the European Commission is already working with Spain on a package of both financial and technical support measures, which would specifically include the potential support of Frontex, although Madrid has not yet submitted a request for an operational deployment.
Although the migration crisis at the end of July has largely been contained (see EUROPE 13922/7), significant challenges remain in Ceuta, starting with the few thousand migrants still present irregularly in the enclave. The European Commission continues to regard their “swift return” to Morocco, which in principle is supposed to readmit them, as a priority.
This line also applies to minors, subject to compliance with the guarantees provided for under European and international law, as they must be covered by specific procedures and protections.
Although no official amount has been announced at this stage, the final package granted to Spain could exceed €60 million, according to our information. (Original version in French by Justine Manaud)