The European Commission Vice-President, Margaritis Schinas, has announced that the European Union (EU) will intensify efforts to curb irregular migration from The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania. This statement was made during an official visit to Africa.
Schinas emphasized that the EU will continue to strengthen its cooperation with these countries, which are crucial for managing migration to the Canary Islands.
He also revealed that an additional €14 million will be provided to Spain to boost the reception capacity for irregular migrants, especially minors, in the Canary Islands.
In addition to financial support, the EU will allow the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to address the current migration challenges in the region. Schinas reassured the people of the Canary Islands that they are not facing this crisis alone, stating that “Europe is at your side.”
The visit followed complaints from the Canary Islands’ regional president, Fernando Clavijo, who expressed frustration over the Spanish government’s handling of the recent surge in migration. Schinas highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to cooperation, focusing not only on migration but also on economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities to provide alternatives to human trafficking.
He further outlined the EU’s plan to expand the role of the border control agency, Frontex, in managing migration flows. Schinas noted that the EU has allocated €500 million for migration management in Spain, with the Canary Islands receiving €20 million, on top of the newly announced €14 million.
Migration to the Canary Islands has surged, with 22,304 migrants arriving between January 1 and August 15 this year, a 126 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Throughout Spain, migrant arrivals have risen by 66.2 percent compared to the previous year. The UN’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that over 4,857 people have died or gone missing trying to reach the Canary Islands since 2014.
