After a busy night in which Maritime Rescue ships rescued around fifty people trying to reach the Canary Islands in small boats, the Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, visited Santa Cruz de Tenerife to meet with the regional president, Fernando Clavijo. In response to the crisis of hosting migrant minors in the archipelago and the substantial increase in arrivals, the commissioner promised an action plan that includes the allocation of 14 million euros. The plan also involves strengthening the presence of the European Asylum Agency to improve care for refugee children and potentially enhancing Frontex, the border agency, which would need to be negotiated with the central government.
Canarias has seen an increase of 26,758 arrivals by boat so far this year, representing an 85% increase compared to the previous year. The surge in arrivals, including the rescue of 500 people in just one night, has put immense pressure on infrastructure not only in the islands but also in Spain as a whole. While the management of adult migrants has improved, the islands are facing a serious crisis due to the collapse of the system for accommodating unaccompanied minors, with over 5,300 children and adolescents currently in precarious conditions according to the Canarian president.
The visit from the Vice President of the Commission shows support for one of the European territories facing the greatest migratory pressure, particularly regarding minors who have arrived alone and are unable to leave. Childcare is the responsibility of the autonomous communities, and negotiations with the government and political parties have faced distrust and tension. Reaching an agreement to change the immigration law and transfer children to less overwhelmed territories will require concessions, including financial support, that were not initially considered when negotiations began.
The allocation of 14 million euros is a symbolic but insufficient response to the magnitude of the issue. Canarias currently spends around 15 million euros per month on maintaining 81 reception centers, not accounting for additional support for healthcare and education. The funding announced by Schinas is intended to expand the islands’ accommodation capacity and establish new facilities. It could also be used to create new centers in the mainland, as long as they alleviate the burden on Canarias. The urgency of the situation requires immediate action despite financial constraints.
The most celebrated EU initiative by the Canarian government has been the exception allowing access to the European Regional Development Fund for migration-related expenses. Potential uses for this funding include providing training for minors. However, activating this funding source depends on coordination with the central government as requests must come from member states. In broader terms, Schinas has promised Canarias support in implementing the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact and initiatives in countries of origin and transit such as Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia.
Schinas also addressed the rise of hate speech in public discourse related to immigration, stating that it adds complications to politics and society. He emphasized the need to manage migration effectively without succumbing to divisive rhetoric, acknowledging past failures in managing the issue but highlighting progress being made. The public opinion, Schinas noted, often focuses on what has not been accomplished rather than recognizing the efforts being made to address the challenges associated with migration.
