Albares concludes two days of work in Brussels aimed at placing Ceuta and Melilla "at the heart of Europe"

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, has concluded two days of meetings in Brussels with officials from European institutions, aimed at promoting the integration of Ceuta and Melilla into the European Union and placing them "at the heart of Europe". The minister welcomed the announcement, made by the Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, regarding the provision of the €114.7 million requested by Spain. During their meeting, Minister Albares reiterated the request to reinforce security at the Ceuta border and expedite ongoing procedures to restore normality as soon as possible.

Albares held a meeting with officials from the European Committee of the Regions to advocate for Ceuta and Melilla having a permanent presence within the Spanish delegation to this European Union institution.

The minister subsequently held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, during which they discussed ways of strengthening the economic and trade integration of Ceuta and Melilla into the European Union. In particular, they analysed options for their incorporation into the Customs Union and formulas to recognise the specific geographical nature of Ceuta and Melilla within the Union.

The minister also met with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, with whom he emphasised the need to tackle the challenges facing Europe's southern border and to cooperate with the Southern Neighbourhood, promoting stability and cooperation with North Africa, which should play a central role in the next edition of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum.

Finally, Albares met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to whom the minister emphasised that it is imperative for the European Union to attach equal importance to the various threats and challenges facing each of its borders, so that Europe can respond with solidarity and unity in all cases.

With this visit, the Government reaffirms its commitment to continue working alongside the European institutions to strengthen the presence of Ceuta and Melilla within the European project and to promote greater participation of both cities in the policies and instruments of the European Union.

Non official translation