The decision follows Spain’s request for emergency funding submitted on 24 August, which the Commission said it was assessing as a priority while remaining in close and continuous contact with the Spanish authorities. Spain subsequently requested additional operational support from EU agencies. Against this background, Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas, who was visiting Brussels on 8 September, called for increased European support, describing the situation in the city as ‘unsustainable’.

The €114.7 million in emergency assistance comprises €82.7 million from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and €32 million from the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI). It will support measures to enhance border surveillance, border protection and security-related infrastructure, as well as the deployment of additional staff and equipment. The funding will also support facilities for the screening of migrants, returns of people staying irregularly in Ceuta and reception capacity, including for unaccompanied minors.

The Commission has also coordinated and facilitated additional operational support from the EU agencies. Frontex, Europol and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) have responded positively to Spain’s request for support. A joint core group bringing together the Commission, the EU agencies and the relevant Spanish authorities will meet regularly, including in the context of the disbursement of the emergency assistance, to ensure the necessary coordination and continuous support.

For further information, see the European Commission’s press release and the press release of the Spanish Representation to the EU.