Spain has requested support from the European Commission’s Frontex agency and Europol to accelerate the classification process of migrants remaining in Ceuta, according to official documents released by the Ministry of Interior. The request was made by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to Beate Gminder, the director-general for Migration and Internal Affairs within the European Commission. The move comes amid ongoing challenges related to the migration situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which has been under heightened scrutiny following recent influxes of migrants. The request follows a prior communication from Gminder to Spain’s ambassador to the European Union, Marcos Alonso, dated August 21, in which she offered assistance from various European agencies in response to the crisis that emerged during the last week of July. In turn, Grande-Marlaska has asked for increased involvement from Frontex, Europol, and the European Asylum Agency (EUAA) to improve the management of the triage process and subsequent personal file processing for individuals still present in Ceuta illegally. Interior officials have specifically called for the extension of the “Minerva” operation, currently covering ports in Algeciras, Tarifa, and Ceuta through Operation Paso del Estrecho until September 2. They have also requested additional personnel from Frontex, ten agents, to assist with the triage efforts, particularly for those who arrived on July 30 and 31 and have yet to undergo this procedure. The ministry emphasized the need for these agents to help gather information more efficiently. In addition to manpower, the ministry has highlighted the potential benefits of EUAA’s involvement, especially in conducting interviews and providing interpreters. Given space limitations in Ceuta, these activities would take place via remote means. Once the triage phase concludes and asylum procedures are completed, Interior will determine the necessary support from Frontex to carry out returns through mediation mechanisms and agreements managed by the agency. Grande-Marlaska has also requested that the oceanographic vessel Duque de Ahumada, operated by Spain’s Guardia Civil and co-financed by the EU, remain stationed in Spanish waters throughout 2027. He further called for the continued maintenance of the EUROSUR Fusion Services, which provide satellite imagery focused on monitoring the border with Morocco. Regarding Europol, the minister has advocated for maintaining and deepening existing operational cooperation, particularly in investigating migrant trafficking networks and strategic analysis. This collaboration aims to enhance the ability to track and disrupt illegal migration routes. The ministry also recalled its earlier request for emergency aid worth over €32 million, drawn from the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (FAMI) and the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (IGFV). It expressed confidence in the swift resolution of this funding request to ensure adequate resources for managing the current situation. With the ongoing migration pressures and the need for coordinated action, Spain continues to seek stronger European support to manage the complex humanitarian and legal challenges faced in Ceuta. The government remains committed to ensuring efficient and lawful handling of migrant cases while upholding international obligations and protecting the rights of all individuals involved.
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