Frontex awaits Spain"s request amid Canary Islands migration surge

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, is currently awaiting a formal request from Spanish authorities to provide assistance in addressing the ongoing migration crisis in the Canary Islands. The agency's executive director, Hans Leijtens, highlighted a significant and concerning rise in the number of migrants arriving by small boats, indicating a structural increase in these arrivals. He emphasized that Frontex's ability to act is contingent upon requests from Spain, which are currently under negotiation for future support. Leijtens noted that the Spanish government's focus is on collaborating with countries of origin and transit, such as Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia. This focus limits Frontex's operational capacity due to the absence of a legal framework for engagement with these nations. He expressed hope for a request from Spain, acknowledging the urgent need for assistance based on his discussions with local authorities and migrant reception centers. The situation has drawn criticism from various political figures in Spain, who argue that the government is not utilizing available EU tools to manage the crisis effectively. The president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has reached out to the European Parliament, seeking support and highlighting the severe impact of the migrant influx on the region, which is already grappling with unique challenges due to its geographical position. As of August 31, 2023, the Canary Islands have seen a 123% increase in migrant arrivals compared to the previous year, with over 25,000 migrants arriving by sea. This surge represents a significant challenge for local authorities and underscores the need for a coordinated response at regional, national, and European levels to address the humanitarian crisis.