The European Union has announced a €14 million allocation to the Canary Islands to enhance their capacity to accommodate migrants from West Africa. This funding, provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in a joint operation with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, aims to strengthen the safeguarding of the external border through the Canary Islands. Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas made the announcement while visiting the islands and emphasized the need to support vulnerable arrivals, particularly unaccompanied minors. The scheme will improve assistance for these minors through the European Asylum Agency.
The local government of the Canary Islands expressed gratitude for the EU’s assistance and stated their commitment to treating migrants arriving on irregular boats with dignity. The influx of migrants from West Africa to the Canary Islands via the Atlantic has more than doubled, with over 22,300 arrivals recorded between January and August this year. The EU funding is expected to help alleviate the pressure faced by the Canarian institutions and society as they deal with the increasing number of migrants. Schinas is planning to visit temporary centers for migrants in Tenerife and El Hierro to assess the situation firsthand.
The EU’s financial support underscores their commitment to assisting member states in managing migration flows and protecting external borders. The Canary Islands play a crucial role as a point of entry for migrants seeking to reach Europe, and the EU’s investment in enhancing their capacity will help ensure a more humane and organized approach to migration management in the region.
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