Casablanca – European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said Saturday that Brussels had received Spain’s request for assistance from Frontex, Europol, and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), and that a decision would be taken swiftly.
“We have received a request for additional support from Spain, which includes the collaboration of Frontex, Europol and the EUAA,” Brunner said in a social media post, adding that the European Commission was already working on the request.
1/ We are fully engaged at all levels to ensure the security of the Union’s external borders.
We have received a request for additional support from Spain, including from Frontex, Europol and the EUAA. We are already working on the request and will take a swift decision.
— Magnus Brunner (@magnusbrunner) August 29, 2026
The Spanish government formally sought the assistance after the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta on July 30 and 31 left thousands of people in the city awaiting identification and further processing.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska sent the request to European Commission Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs Beate Gminder, responding to an earlier offer of assistance from Brussels.
Spain is asking Frontex to provide 10 additional agents to accelerate the triaje process, which involves collecting information and determining the appropriate procedure for people who remain in Ceuta irregularly.
Madrid has also requested assistance from the EUAA with interviews and interpreters, while seeking to maintain and strengthen cooperation with Europol, particularly in investigations into migrant-smuggling networks.
Spanish media also reported that Madrid wants to extend Frontex’s Operation Minerva beyond its scheduled September 2 end date if necessary. The operation currently covers the ports of Ceuta, Algeciras, and Tarifa during Spain’s annual summer travel period.
Brunner described the situation in Ceuta as still “complex” while welcoming measures taken by Spanish authorities in recent days. He stressed that the EU’s priority remains ensuring the swift return of people who are staying illegally in the city.
The European Commission’s forthcoming decision will determine the scope and timing of the additional European support requested by Spain.
