European Commission Delays Support for Ceuta / Sanchez Calls for Frontex, Europol and Tax Incentives

The European Union is not yet ready to provide the support requested by Spain for Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa, after approximately 72,000 people crossed the border from Morocco in July. The European Commission announced that its assessment of the request is ongoing, but Spanish authorities must first provide clarifications regarding financial and operational matters.

In this context, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for a permanent presence of the Frontex agency at the port and breakwater in Ceuta, as well as a Europol mission to monitor illegal migration. He also announced a review of coordination mechanisms with Morocco, with additional guarantees.

Sanchez also supports integrating Ceuta and Melilla into the customs union and granting them a favorable tax regime similar to that of the Canary Islands. The two territories are the European Union's only land borders with Africa.

Brussels reaffirmed that Morocco remains a strategic partner in combating migrant smuggling and illegal migration. The Spanish government announced an additional €100 million to support Ceuta's socio-economic development, on top of the €309 million approved previously.