EU gives Spain billions in aid after Ceuta crisis

 

TT

 

Published 16.25

 

TMost of those who crossed the border at the end of July have returned to Morocco. Some who remained have built tent camps on the beach in Ceuta. Archive photo. Photo: Francis González/AP/TT

The EU Commission is granting Spain just under 115 million euros in emergency aid after the crisis at the exclave of Ceuta at the end of July.

This corresponds to almost 1.3 billion kronor. Around 83 million euros will be drawn from the EU's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the remaining around 32 million euros from the instrument for financial support for border management and visa policy, according to a press release.

The money will support measures to improve border surveillance, border protection and security-related infrastructure, such as thermal cameras, buoy systems and underwater drones, as well as personnel and equipment.

The funds will also go towards migrant handling facilities, increased reception capacity and support for the return of people staying in Ceuta without authorisation.

Over 70,000 irregular migrants crossed the border from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July.