The European Commission called Tuesday for the rapid return of migrants found to be staying irregularly in Ceuta, while backing Spain’s unified command structure and reviewing Madrid’s request for emergency European funding.
Commission home affairs spokesperson Markus Lammert said conditions had improved since early August but several thousand migrants remained in the city, placing continued pressure on accommodation and public services.
“The priority remains to ensure the swift return of all those who remain illegally in Ceuta,” Lammert said, according to Europa Press.
Spanish authorities are screening those who entered Ceuta to distinguish applicants for international protection from people subject to return procedures.
Returns cannot be carried out before asylum claims are assessed and must comply with EU safeguards, including the principle of non-refoulement. Cases involving unaccompanied children are also subject to child protection and best-interest assessments.
Spain estimated last week that about 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta, including 1,898 minors, although the Commission said it did not have a confirmed current figure.
Brussels welcomed Spain’s creation of a unified command to coordinate central, local and security authorities. It also praised cooperation between Madrid and Rabat, saying joint measures had helped prevent further large-scale entry attempts following the July 30 and 31 crossings.
The Commission said it remained prepared to provide operational assistance through Frontex, Europol and the European Union Agency for Asylum.
Spain formally requested emergency financial assistance from the Commission on Monday. The application covers stronger border protection, security infrastructure and sufficient reception capacity, including accommodation for unaccompanied minors.
The Commission is treating the request as a priority and intends to reach a decision quickly, Lammert said. It has not disclosed the amount sought by Spain or provided a date for approval.
An official Commission briefing confirmed that discussions with Spanish authorities had begun before the formal application was submitted.
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