After 72,000 crossings from Morocco, Europe funds underwater drones in Sebta

The decision was announced this Wednesday, September 9, by the European Commission. Brussels is responding to an emergency aid request submitted by Spain on August 24, following the crossings on July 30 and 31.

Those two days saw approximately 72,000 crossings from Morocco, while Spanish services had initially anticipated a much more limited movement. The crisis has since led Madrid to considerably strengthen its security measures around Sebta.

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Of the 114.7 million euros granted by Brussels, 82.7 million will come from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and 32 million from the European instrument dedicated to border management and visas.

Thermal cameras and underwater drones

The Commission details several items of equipment that may be funded: thermal cameras, observation technologies, floating buoy systems and underwater drones. Additional personnel and equipment may also be deployed at the border.

The money will also be used to develop facilities intended for migrant control, finance the return of people remaining illegally in Sebta and increase reception capacity, particularly for unaccompanied minors.

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Brussels is not limiting itself to funding. Frontex, Europol and the European Union Agency for Asylum have agreed to strengthen their support for the Spanish authorities. Madrid had submitted an additional request for operational assistance on August 28.

The new system comes as Spain has already deployed military resources in managing the crisis in Sebta. Just over a month after the 72,000 crossings, the border with Morocco is thus entering a new phase of technological and operational reinforcement.