Spain Seeks Emergency EU Funding Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis

Spain has formally asked the European Union for emergency financial assistance to deal with a major migration crisis in its North African enclave of Ceuta.

The request follows a mass influx in late July, when more than 70,000 migrants attempted to cross into Ceuta from Morocco. At least 90 people reportedly died, although human rights organisations say the actual death toll could be higher.

The European Commission said it had received Spain’s formal request and was assessing it as a priority, with the aim of reaching a swift decision.

Most of the migrants have since returned to Morocco, but an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 people remain in Ceuta. Among them are unaccompanied children who cannot legally be deported.

Spain has introduced measures to accelerate the identification and return of migrants who do not qualify for international protection. The government has also created a single command for Ceuta, headed by Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres, to coordinate the response.

Authorities say the priority is to repatriate as many people as possible while respecting Spanish law and human rights. Spain will continue providing humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors who cannot be returned.

Ceuta, along with Spain’s other North African enclave, Melilla, has the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.

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