EU to urgently assess Spain's funding request over Ceuta migration

The European Commission has received an official request from Spain for emergency funding to address the migration situation in Ceuta and plans to assess it as a matter of priority, according to Report.

Speaking at a briefing in Brussels, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the request was received on August 24, Report's European bureau informs.

According to Lammert, the request includes measures to strengthen border protection and related infrastructure, as well as to ensure sufficient reception capacity for migrants, including unaccompanied minors.

"This is a priority for us, and we are working on it as urgently as possible," Lammert said.

He did not disclose the amount requested by Spain or when a decision could be made, noting that the Commission must first assess the request.

Lammert said the European Commission is also ready to provide Spain with additional support, including through European agencies, adding that such assistance had been offered from the first day of the crisis.

According to the spokesperson, the situation in Ceuta now differs from that seen at the beginning of August. New attempts to enter the territory have been prevented through cooperation between Spanish and Moroccan authorities.

However, several thousand people remain in Ceuta, and the EU's priority remains their "swift return" in accordance with applicable rules.

EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner is maintaining regular contact with Spanish authorities, while Vice-President for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica is in contact with the Moroccan side, Lammert added.