The European Union has allocated €114.7 million to Spain through emergency funding to help address the migration crisis in Ceuta, which has escalated since the end of July.
The European Commission described the funding as an act of solidarity with Spain, emphasizing that the support is intended to strengthen border controls and increase the country’s capacity to manage the flow of migrants.
Of the total amount, €82.7 million will be provided through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, while another €32 million will come through the instrument for border management and visa policy.
A significant portion of the funding will be used to strengthen border surveillance and security infrastructure, including thermal cameras, monitoring systems, buoys and underwater drones.
The funding will also support the deployment of additional staff and equipment, the creation of facilities for the identification and processing of migrants, as well as assistance with the return of people who are irregularly present in Ceuta.
Part of the assistance will also go toward increasing reception capacity, particularly for the care and protection of unaccompanied minors.
European agencies are also expected to continue providing support on the ground. Frontex will continue its joint Minerva operation and is prepared to expand its operational plans in Spain during 2027.
Meanwhile, Europol will continue working with Spanish authorities on investigations targeting migrant-smuggling networks. The EU Agency for Asylum will also provide assistance with interviews and interpretation services.
The European Commission and the relevant EU agencies will establish a joint coordination group with Spanish authorities, with its first meeting expected to take place this week.
Following the signing of the funding agreement, the European Commission will have 30 days to pay up to 80 percent of the allocated amount.
The funds may also be used to cover eligible expenses incurred since the beginning of the emergency situation.
The EU’s decision comes as migration and border control remain among the most sensitive issues on the European agenda, while Spain continues to face significant pressure along its southern borders.
