The European Union is considering additional financial support for Spain as authorities respond to the Ceuta migrant surge, which saw around 72,000 people cross into the Spanish enclave from Morocco in just a few days.
_x000D_The European Commission confirmed on Thursday that discussions with the Spanish government are progressing quickly. The proposed funding would help strengthen border management and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants who remain in Ceuta.
_x000D_ _x000D_European Commission Reviews Spain’s Needs Assessment
_x000D_European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said Brussels received Spain’s first assessment of its financial needs on Wednesday.
_x000D_Officials held technical discussions earlier this week. The Commission is now reviewing the information before Spain submits a formal funding request.
_x000D_Mercier said the process is moving at “full speed.”
_x000D_He added that the Commission recognizes the need for extra support because of the current situation in Ceuta.
_x000D_ _x000D_Funding Could Support Border Security and Humanitarian Aid
_x000D_If approved, the financial package could help Spain improve border management and expand emergency humanitarian services.
_x000D_The funding may cover:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Temporary shelters _x000D_
- Food supplies _x000D_
- Medical treatment _x000D_
- Emergency response teams _x000D_
- Humanitarian assistance _x000D_
- Border management equipment _x000D_
Spain has not yet finalized its application. Officials have also not disclosed how much funding they plan to request.
_x000D_ _x000D_Thousands Still Remain in Ceuta
_x000D_Spanish authorities said around 70,000 migrants have already returned to Morocco following last week’s mass crossing.
_x000D_However, approximately 5,000 people remain in Ceuta.
_x000D_According to Ceuta President Juan Vivas, the group includes around 860 unaccompanied children.
_x000D_The migrant surge also turned deadly. Officials reported at least 88 deaths during the crisis.
_x000D_ _x000D_Aid Groups Struggle to Meet Growing Needs
_x000D_Local humanitarian organizations continue to support thousands of migrants.
_x000D_The non-governmental organization Luna Blanca has distributed more than 12,000 meals over the past several days.
_x000D_Luna Blanca President Mustafa Abdelcader said local institutions were not prepared for a crisis of this scale.
_x000D_“We’re talking about an influx of some 60,000 or 70,000 people,” he said.
_x000D_He added that the number of arrivals was nearly equal to Ceuta’s population.
_x000D_A social worker with the organization said many children arrived suffering from hunger and heatstroke.
_x000D_ _x000D_EU Already Approved Emergency Funding
_x000D_EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner addressed the crisis after an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday.
_x000D_He confirmed that the European Union already has emergency funding available for Spain under its long-term budget.
_x000D_According to Brunner, Spain has received an additional €114 million through emergency assistance.
_x000D_He said approximately €28 million will help strengthen reception centers, asylum systems, and return procedures in Ceuta.
_x000D_ _x000D_EU Reaffirms Support for Spain
_x000D_Following the emergency meeting, Brunner reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Spain.
_x000D_He said the bloc stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the Spanish government throughout the crisis.
_x000D_Brunner also described the situation as a major test of the European Union’s ability to respond to migration emergencies.
_x000D_According to him, Europe successfully demonstrated unity and resilience during one of the largest migration challenges in recent years.