Brussels is pending the release of more than 32 million euros requested by Spain to address the migrant crisis in Ceuta while waiting for additional information from the Spanish authorities. The European Commission needs new clarifications to complete the evaluation of the request for financial assistance and the operational reinforcement requested from the community agencies.
The aid was formally requested by Spain on August 24, after the European Commission maintained contacts with the Government to understand the needs arising from the mass arrival of migrants to the autonomous city. The request is directed to the European emergency funds and is part of a broader response that also includes support from Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Asylum Agency.
The Commission had initially indicated that it considered the Spanish request a priority and that it would work to evaluate it quickly. However, the procedure has not concluded, and Brussels is now demanding data that allows determining both the extent of the financial needs and the conditions of the operational support.
The blockage does not mean that the European Union has definitively rejected the funding. The Commission keeps the evaluation open and awaits responses from Spain before making a decision on the funds.
What information does Brussels request
The Commission's doubts are related to the details of the assistance that Spain needs to manage the situation in Ceuta. Brussels must determine which expenses can be covered by community financial instruments and what type of support the European agencies can provide.
The Spanish request includes emergency financial assistance, but also measures to strengthen the management of people who have arrived irregularly in the city. Among them is the collaboration of the European agencies in tasks of identification, triage, and management of the corresponding procedures.
The Interior Ministry has also requested additional support from Frontex, Europol, and the EU Asylum Agency. The request includes, among other measures, additional agents, support for returns, cooperation against human trafficking networks, and border surveillance tools.