Brussels Acknowledges Spain's Efforts in Migrant Crisis Management
The European Commission has positively assessed the measures implemented by the Spanish government to address the ongoing migration crisis in Ceuta. This includes the establishment of a unified command to enhance coordination in response efforts. However, officials have cautioned that significant challenges remain, particularly concerning the thousands of individuals who continue to reside in the autonomous city, stressing the urgent need for ensuring their swift return if they remain illegally.
During a press conference held in Brussels, Markus Lammert, the spokesperson for Internal Affairs of the European Commission, acknowledged that while the circumstances in Ceuta have evolved since the beginning of the month, there are still “important challenges” that need to be tackled. He highlighted the priority of guaranteeing the rapid return of all individuals residing in Ceuta without legal status. Lammert stated, “There are persistent significant challenges that must be urgently addressed, particularly concerning the several thousand people still in Ceuta.”
He also endorsed new measures to tackle the situation, including the establishment of a unified command structure. “We welcome the initiative taken by the Spanish authorities to bolster coordination in responding to the crisis,” he noted while also praising the effective cooperation between Spain and Morocco, which has helped prevent further attempts at unauthorized entry.
The Commission is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully committed “at all levels” to ensure the security of the European Union's borders. Lammert reiterated the Commission's willingness to enhance resources for European agencies such as Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA).
These statements from Brussels come just a day after the Commission confirmed it had received a formal request from the Spanish government to activate emergency assistance funds to address the migration crisis in Ceuta. “The Commission has received the formal request from Spanish authorities for emergency assistance funding (EMAS) to cope with the migratory situation in Ceuta. We have maintained close contact with Spain prior to receiving this formal request, and we will now work towards a prompt assessment and decision,” community sources informed Europa Press.
The request specifically includes measures aimed at strengthening border protection and security-related infrastructure, as well as establishing adequate reception capacities, including provisions for unaccompanied minors. Following this request, Lammert stated that the Commission is prioritizing the evaluation of this request to ensure a swift decision.
As reported by elcorreo.com.
