Spain has formally requested emergency funding from the European Union to address the migration crisis in its North African enclave of Ceuta, the European Commission confirmed on Monday. The request includes measures to reinforce border protection and establish adequate reception capacity, including for unaccompanied minors.
The mass arrivals occurred on 30 and 31 July, when around 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into the enclave of approximately 83,000 residents. While about 70,000 have since returned to Morocco, the Spanish government estimates between 3,500 and 7,000 migrants remain, including more than 2,900 identified minors.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened an extraordinary National Security Council meeting on Tuesday to assess the situation. Spain's cabinet also approved a 'single command' structure led by Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres to coordinate the response, with the priority being the rapid return and repatriation of those present illegally. The European Commission said it is assessing the request as a priority.