EU to Provide 180 Billion Won in Emergency Aid to Spain Over Ceuta Crisis

The European Union (EU) has decided to provide 115 million euros (approximately 180 billion won) in emergency aid to Spain following the "Ceuta crisis."

During a press conference held in Brussels on the 9th (local time), EU Commission Vice-President Henna Virkkunen announced the support plan, stating, "The situation in Ceuta is putting pressure on the EU's external borders."

Virkネン emphasized, "Our message is clear. We are committed to fighting illegal migration and ensuring the swift repatriation of those staying illegally in Ceuta."

The EU explained that the emergency aid for Spain will be used to strengthen border surveillance, border protection, and security-related infrastructure, such as thermal imaging cameras, floating buoy systems, and underwater drones.

It added that the funds will also be used to establish facilities necessary for migrant screening and selection, as well as to support the repatriation of individuals staying illegally in Ceuta.

Over two days on July 30 and 31, about 72,000 Moroccan migrants rushed into Ceuta, an autonomous Spanish city in North Africa, by scaling border walls or crossing the sea.

Dozens of people died in the process, and between 5,000 and 15,000 of them are remaining in Ceuta, refusing repatriation.

Previously, Ceuta President Juan Jesús Vivas held a press conference at the European Parliament in Brussels on the 8th (local time), describing Ceuta as "a pressure cooker that could explode at any moment" and requested assistance from the EU.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.