Spain invests 79 million euros in Ceuta and Melilla border security
The Spanish government has invested approximately 79 million euros since 2019 to reinforce the borders of Ceuta and Melilla. This funding includes 37 million euros for Ceuta and 42 million euros for Melilla to modernize surveillance, install new fencing, and replace dangerous concertina wire with metal combs designed to deter climbers without causing serious injury.
In Ceuta, specifically, over 26 million euros have been spent on the border fence since 2018. Following a massive arrival of over 72,000 irregular migrants via the sea in late July, the Spanish Supreme Court validated the government's installation of a 500-meter pneumatic barrier. This legal decision allows for the immediate return of migrants who attempt to cross the maritime border, addressing a previous legal ambiguity regarding sea-based arrivals.
The Ministry of the Interior maintains that current border measures are sufficient, though it continues to adapt and expand infrastructure as needed.
Entities: Ceuta · Fernando Grande-Marlaska · Melilla · Ministry of the Interior · Spanish Supreme Court
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government has invested a total of 79 million euros to reinforce the Ceuta and Melilla borders since 2019. (Spanish Ministry of the Interior)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bladed concertina wire on border fences is being replaced by inverted metal combs to reduce injury risks. (Spanish Ministry of the Interior)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of the Interior has invested more than 26 million euros in the Ceuta border fence since 2018. (Spanish Ministry of the Interior)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] 37 million euros have been spent in Ceuta and 42 million euros in Melilla for border reinforcement. (Spanish Ministry of the Interior)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 72,000 irregular migrants entered Ceuta via the sea on July 30 and 31. (unspecified)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Supreme Court validated the use of a 500-meter pneumatic barrier in Ceuta to allow for border returns at sea. (Spanish Supreme Court)