Canarian president urges EU support in Moroccan coasts to tackle migration crisis

Canarian President Fernando Clavijo urged the European Union and Spain to fulfill their commitments on migration issues in the archipelago during a meeting with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, on Friday.

Fernando Clavijo emphasized the necessity for Frontex to redeploy its operations along the coasts of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. 

The president’s assertion is grounded in the need to “save lives” and counteract the criminal networks involved in human trafficking. 

According to Clavijo, Commissioner Johansson has conveyed ongoing efforts to collaborate intensively with countries of origin and transit to involve the EU in controlling boat departures to the Canaries.

Clavijo expressed optimism about the involvement of European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, hoping that Brussels would prioritize the Canarian route, a commitment reaffirmed by Johansson during her recent visit to the islands.

The Canarian President believes that the imminent closure of the “long-awaited” European Immigration and Asylum Pact by the 27 EU member states is a positive step. 

The president underscored the urgency for Europe to recognize the magnitude of the migration challenge and adopt coordinated measures with shared responsibility and solidarity.

Among the commitments made by Commissioner Johansson, Clavijo highlighted the potential for the Autonomous Community to receive additional EU funds through various channels, supplementing the €50 million  allocated in 2023. 

This financial support is crucial, especially given the annual spending of €110 million on minors alone.

The President emphasizes the significance of the Belgian Government’s State Secretary’s participation in the meeting, as Belgium prepares to assume the EU Presidency on January 1st.

Commending Commissioner Johansson’s prompt visit to Canarias, just three weeks after receiving the invitation in Brussels, Clavijo expressed a desire for a more extended visit to address the complex challenges of migration.

Highlighting the commitment of three Spanish ministers in the meeting with the European Commissioner, Clavijo welcomed their pledge to allocate necessary resources and means to support Canarias in facing the enormous migration challenge. 

The president noted the extension of Spain’s surveillance aircraft off the African coast beyond the initially planned 45 days.

This meeting took place against the backdrop of a surge in arrivals, with 36,787 migrants reaching the shores of Canarias in 547 boats this year, marking a 134% increase compared to 2022.