EU Parliament to Debate Ceuta Migrant Crisis as Commission Releases Emergency Funds

The European Parliament is set to hold a debate next Tuesday on the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with major political groups divided over how the EU should respond. The Parliament confirmed the scheduling on Wednesday.

The European People's Party is pressing for a vote after the debate, with a resolution expected to call for tougher migration policies and criticise the Spanish government's handling of the situation. The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats is expected to defend Madrid and push for greater solidarity among member states in managing migration pressures.

The European Commission on Wednesday approved 114.7 million euros in emergency assistance for Spain to help it cope with the situation in Ceuta, following large-scale illegal border crossings on July 30-31.

In August, the EU held a video-conference after a 22-country initiative led by Italy and Denmark sought a coordinated European response to the migrant crisis. Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen free-movement regime for maritime and air links with Spain and reintroduced border checks on August 1. On August 31, Rome announced it would extend controls on arrivals from Spain for a further 15 days.

Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas told an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in August that about 80,000 people had entered the enclave, with nearly 75,000 later returning voluntarily. Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain, leaving reception centres overwhelmed and creating a severe humanitarian emergency, he said, calling for stronger security, more reception resources and greater support from EU agencies.