Spain Unveils €165 Million Emergency Package for Ceuta Amid Ongoing Migrant Crisis

Spain’s government has announced a €165 million emergency recovery package for Ceuta, the Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, as it continues to manage the aftermath of a mass migration crisis that began at the end of July. The funds, which will be approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, aim to revitalize the local economy and strengthen public services in Ceuta, which has faced significant disruption following the arrival of thousands of migrants.

The emergency package complements an existing €180 million medium-term recovery plan, as previously outlined by First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo. Of the new funds, €80 million will be allocated to Ceuta’s economy over the next four months, with an additional €70 million earmarked for 2027. In total, €150 million will provide direct economic support over the next 18 months, including €35 million for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the self-employed, and €15 million to boost trade and tourism—sectors heavily impacted by the recent events.

Another €15 million will be directed toward strengthening education, healthcare, and the justice system in Ceuta. These areas have been central to public demand following the migration surge. The crisis began on July 30 and 31, when approximately 72,000 people entered Ceuta irregularly. One month later, around 5,000 of those individuals remain in the city, though Spanish authorities continue efforts to open new reception facilities and expedite return procedures.

Ángel Víctor Torres, Spain’s Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, who leads the government’s crisis command, reaffirmed the goal of returning all irregular migrants to Morocco. In a statement broadcast by RTVE, Torres emphasized that the government intends to process returns for all who entered between July 30 and 31, in accordance with Spanish law.

The emergency package is distinct from the €180 million structural plan, which is still under negotiation with business organizations, trade unions, and representatives from various sectors in Ceuta. The structural plan is designed to address long-term economic and social challenges in the city.

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