SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 4 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The representative of the Canary Islands Coalition (CC) in the Congress of Deputies, Cristina Valido, has called on the Spanish Government this Wednesday to clarify what measures it intends to implement to enhance the support of the European border agency Frontex in managing the “humanitarian crisis” currently affecting the Canary Islands due to the persistent influx of boats carrying migrants.
In this context, Valido has directed a query to the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, regarding the actions the national Government intends to undertake “so that Frontex can assist, without restrictions and with legal endorsement, in light of the alarming increase in migrant arrivals.”
The parliamentary initiative presented by the spokesperson for the Canary Islands Coalition highlights an initial assessment of the situation on the islands conducted by the executive director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, who deemed the ongoing inflow of migrant boats, particularly unaccompanied minors, as “extremely concerning.”
“The proposal by Frontex to bolster response resources to tackle this humanitarian crisis is commendable, as is its suggestion to the Spanish Government to demonstrate political will and secure the financial resources and legal frameworks necessary for action on the ground,” elaborated Cristina Valido in her parliamentary inquiry directed at the Interior Minister, as noted in a statement from CC.
Within this framework, the spokesperson for Coalición Canaria emphasised the effectiveness and achievements of Frontex since its establishment twenty years ago, urging its cooperation with the Spanish Government in light of the rising migrant arrivals to the archipelago’s shores.
“Now more than ever, we require a comprehensive policy to confront this significant migration challenge, currently present in the islands but potentially affecting another part of Europe tomorrow,” stated Cristina Valido, adding, “however, without legal authorisation and without a direct request from Spain, Frontex is unable to assist in its ambition to manage migration through cooperation with origin and transit countries.”
