The European Commission has approved EUR 114.7 million in emergency funding to support Spain in managing the large-scale irregular arrivals in Ceuta following the border crossings of 30-31 July 2026. The funding package includes EUR 82.7 million from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and EUR 32 million from the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI).
The financial support will strengthen border surveillance and security infrastructure, including thermal cameras, observation technologies and underwater drones. It will also fund additional personnel and equipment, migrant screening facilities, return operations, and reception capacity, including support for unaccompanied minors.
In parallel, the Commission coordinated operational support from EU agencies:
- Frontex will continue and expand its operations in Spain, including maintaining Standing Corps deployments in Ceuta, supporting returns, deploying maritime assets and enhancing information exchange through Eurosur.
- Europol will continue assisting Spanish authorities in investigations targeting migrant smuggling networks and strategic analysis.
- EUAA will provide support for asylum interviews and interpretation services.
To ensure effective coordination, the European Commission, EU agencies and Spanish authorities will establish a joint core group that will meet regularly to oversee assistance and operational support. The Commission will continue coordinating efforts, with a particular focus on managing the situation in Ceuta and supporting return procedures for persons staying irregularly.
Once the grant agreement is signed, up to 80% of the funding can be disbursed within 30 days, with eligible emergency actions financed retroactively from the beginning of the crisis.
- European Commission (9 September, 2026), [Commission grants Spain €114.7 million and provides enhanced operational assistance to manage the situation in Ceuta],