Spain and EU launch emergency plan for migration crisis in Canary Islands

The Spanish government is urgently developing a strategic plan to address the escalating migration crisis affecting the Canary Islands and Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. Recent data indicates a significant surge in irregular migrant arrivals, with increases of 126% in the Canary Islands and 143% in Ceuta during early August. Many migrants are fleeing violence in Mauritania and the Sahel region, leading to overcrowded reception centers that have forced local authorities to set up temporary accommodations. The Spanish Minister for Youth and Children, Sira Rego, announced that the government is collaborating with the EU to draft a contingency plan aimed at improving the situation for unaccompanied minor immigrants. This plan includes exploring European programs designed to welcome and protect asylum-seeking children, as well as ensuring a supportive reception policy across EU territories. Political tensions have arisen as the opposition, particularly the Spanish People’s Party (PP) and the far-right VOX party, criticize the government for its handling of the crisis. The regional president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, expressed feelings of betrayal by the ruling PSOE party, while Frontex's Executive Director emphasized the need for a formal request from Spain to facilitate EU assistance. The situation has prompted calls for urgent amendments to Spain's Immigration Law to ensure the mandatory reception of unaccompanied minors across all autonomous communities. This proposal has sparked controversy and conflict between the governing parties and their opposition, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding the humanitarian emergency.