Speaking before Congress on 16 September, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska affirmed that the European Union “backs Spain’s extraordinary work” in stabilising Ceuta after this summer’s border breach. He cited a confidential Frontex situational report that allegedly commends Spain’s rapid deployment of additional police units and the installation of mobile surveillance towers along the coastline. The remarks aimed to counter opposition claims of governmental “indolence” and a “crisis of public safety” in the enclave. Marlaska disclosed that Spain has processed more than 18,000 accelerated asylum claims since August, a pace described as the “highest in the EU for a comparable time frame.” Businesses with cross-border operations should note that the ministry will prioritise digital pre-authorisation for Moroccan day-workers and freight drivers—an initiative expected to cut morning-peak waiting times by 35 percent once fully rolled out in October. However, human-rights groups question the minister’s portrayal, pointing to overcrowding in temporary shelters and alleging summary returns. Marlaska insisted that all procedures comply with EU law and are subject to judicial oversight.
Source: Europa Press
