The European Commission pointed out this Thursday that Spain has the "duty" to ensure the protection of unaccompanied migrant minors who have crossed into Ceuta, while maintaining its "clear expectation" that all migrants who entered the autonomous city irregularly be returned to Morocco.
"The protection of vulnerable minors must be guaranteed. And this is, of course, a duty of the State, in this case of the Spanish authorities, to guarantee it," emphasized in a press conference in Brussels the spokesperson of the community Executive on Internal Affairs, Markus Lammert.
Lammert responded thus when asked about the announcement of the Spanish Government to transfer 500 underage girls to the peninsula, a plan that, as he confirmed, the Commission has only learned about through "information published in the media," while the community Executive "receives more information" from the Spanish authorities "about their plans."
In this regard, the spokesperson reiterated the "clear expectation" that "all migrants who have entered illegally into Ceuta be returned to Morocco," without excluding migrant minors from that approach.
"The Commission is working intensively, both with Spain and with Morocco, to help achieve their return to Morocco with full respect for EU Law and International Law," added Lammert, insisting that "returns take place effectively."
The community spokesperson also highlighted the importance of strengthening controls at the Ceuta border. "We need to see this happen. Member States are also asking to see this happen," he pointed out, reiterating Brussels' willingness to support both Madrid and Rabat to ensure a stronger border.
"Still" without a formal request for help from Spain
On the other hand, when asked if the Commission has already received any request for assistance from Spain regarding the situation in Ceuta, the community Executive indicated that it is "working closely" with the Spanish Government "to help them finalize their request."
"We have not yet received a definitive request," specified the spokesperson for Internal Affairs of the Commission, referring to the aid offered to Spain through funds from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (FAMI), intended to finance the reception and care of migrants who remain in Ceuta, as well as possible reinforcements of resources from the European agencies Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA).