Spain has formally submitted an emergency funding request to the European Union (EU) to address the migration situation in Ceuta, its North African territory, weeks after tens of thousands of people crossed the border from Morocco.
The European Commission said on Tuesday (August 20) that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains “fully committed at all levels” to ensuring the security of the EU’s external borders.
“We have received the formal emergency funding request, specifically yesterday (August 19). We are prioritizing this request with the aim of reaching a decision quickly,” Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert told a regular press briefing in Brussels.
In late July, more than 70,000 migrants, driven by poverty and misinformation, surged toward Ceuta, sparking one of the most severe migration crises in the region. According to official figures, at least 90 people have died on both sides of the border, though human rights groups say the real toll is higher.
The Spanish government has also taken steps to accelerate the repatriation of remaining migrants in Ceuta. Most have already returned to Morocco, but between 5% and 10%—equivalent to 3,500 to 7,000 people—remain in Ceuta, including unaccompanied minors who cannot be deported.
Spanish authorities must identify those still in Ceuta to determine if they qualify for international protection; otherwise, repatriation procedures will begin. This process has been criticized as too slow by the Ceuta regional government, which is controlled by the conservative People’s Party (PP).
To speed up the response, Spain’s cabinet on Tuesday (August 20) approved the creation of a “single command” for Ceuta, led by Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres. Torres stressed that the top priority is “to repatriate and return the largest number of people possible, both adults and children,” while respecting Spanish law and human rights. The government will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to asylum seekers or unaccompanied minors who cannot be sent back.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spain’s two North African territories, are the only places in Europe with land borders with Africa. Both operate under a special arrangement within the Schengen free-movement area, requiring anyone passing through to undergo border checks before continuing to mainland Spain.
