Spain has formally asked the European Commission for Frontex and Europol support in Ceuta. The goal is to accelerate migrant identification and asylum processing. The move follows a surge in irregular entries at the border.
Spain has called on the European Commission to deploy additional resources from Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) in Ceuta, aiming to streamline the identification and processing of migrants who recently crossed the border irregularly. The request, sent by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to Beate Gminder, Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs, comes after a sharp increase in arrivals at the Ceuta-Morocco frontier at the end of July, when around 80,000 people entered Spanish territory without authorization.
The Spanish government is seeking to extend the presence of Frontex in the region, specifically by prolonging Operation Minerva—which covers the ports of Algeciras, Tarifa, and Ceuta—until September 2. Authorities have also asked for ten additional Frontex agents to help accelerate the collection of information from migrants who have not yet been registered. According to the Interior Ministry, the involvement of the EUAA is considered essential for conducting interviews and providing interpreters, with most procedures expected to take place remotely due to limited space in Ceuta.
Once the triage and, where applicable, border asylum procedures are completed, Spain plans to coordinate with Frontex to organize returns to Morocco or other countries of origin, using the agency’s mediation mechanisms and existing agreements. The government has also requested that the Duque de Ahumada, an oceanic vessel operated by the Guardia Civil and co-financed by the EU, remain in Spanish waters through 2027. Additionally, Spain wants to maintain the satellite imaging system monitoring the border with Morocco to ensure ongoing surveillance of maritime and pre-frontier areas. In terms of criminal investigations, the Interior Ministry has asked Europol to deepen operational cooperation against migrant smuggling networks.
These measures follow an earlier offer of assistance from the European Commission, which responded to the crisis in Ceuta by proposing support from various EU agencies. The Spanish government’s latest move is part of a broader effort to manage the unprecedented influx and facilitate both repatriations and asylum requests. The situation in Ceuta has drawn attention in recent months, especially after incidents involving violence and security concerns, as highlighted in reports such as the arrest of Moroccan migrants following attacks on soldiers.
In parallel, Spain has applied for over €32 million in emergency funding from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (FAMI) and the Border and Visa Management Instrument (IGFV), with the application currently under review in Brussels. The government expects a prompt decision to help cover the costs of managing the crisis. Ceuta’s unique position as a Spanish enclave bordering Morocco has made it a focal point for migration flows into Europe, often requiring rapid coordination between national and EU authorities. The involvement of Frontex and other agencies is seen as critical for maintaining order, ensuring proper processing of migrants, and upholding both security and humanitarian standards at the border.
