Spain's Prime Minister Addresses Migration Crisis in the Canary Islands

BARCELONA, Spain — Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with Fernando Clavijo, the regional president of the Canary Islands, on Friday to discuss the ongoing irregular migration crisis affecting the archipelago. The meeting took place on La Palma, as Sánchez returned from a family vacation in Lanzarote. The Canary Islands, situated closer to the northwestern African coast than mainland Spain, have seen a surge in migrant arrivals, particularly unaccompanied minors, who now number over 5,500, far exceeding the region's capacity of 2,000. During the discussions, Sánchez's minister for territorial policy, Ángel Victor Torres, announced a financial aid package of 50 million euros ($55.6 million) for the Canary Islands, aimed at addressing the pressing needs of the migrant population. This funding, previously allocated in past years, had been omitted in the current budget. The Canary Islands have become a critical entry point for irregular migrants into the European Union, with many adults moving on to mainland Spain, while unaccompanied minors remain under the regional government's care. The situation is exacerbated by the perilous Atlantic route from West Africa, which is considered one of the deadliest migration paths globally. Recent statistics indicate that over 22,300 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, marking a 126% increase compared to the same period last year. The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service reported the rescue of 173 individuals, including six babies and eight women, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by those attempting the journey.