Zarzalejos Highlights Unsustainable Pressure on El Hierro and Calls for Enhanced Frontex Role in the Region
The European Parliament asserts that support from the European Union for the Canary Islands, particularly El Hierro, is “urgently needed” from both financial and operational perspectives to manage the migration crisis. This conclusion was reached in the preliminary draft of the report issued by the mission that visited El Hierro from 26 to 28 May, which is set to be negotiated among political groups.
The report was presented today by Javier Zarzalejos, the head of the mission to El Hierro and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). The MEP explained the findings of the parliamentary visit aimed at assessing the situation on the ground resulting from the surge in irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands, particularly on the island of El Hierro, which, with a population of just 11,000, recorded over 26,000 arrivals in 2024.
The report stresses that the Spanish government has not requested additional European assistance to manage the migration crisis. Zarzalejos emphasised that “the mission was an opportunity to identify deficiencies, propose solutions, and ensure that lessons learned are implemented in a way that strengthens the Union’s response and that of its member states.”
He highlighted the urgent need to reinforce status agreements and operational agreements not only between Spain and Frontex but also to ensure that Autonomous Communities receive the necessary operational support. “This must be accompanied by adequate and sustained financial support from the EU. Without it, the burden will remain unsustainable for local authorities,” he stated.
Furthermore, he underscored that documentation and reception procedures must improve significantly. “This is essential for maintaining order, guaranteeing rights, and once the new regulation comes into effect, ensuring that the return process functions effectively. The absence of such measures risks perpetuating management in emergency mode,” he noted.
Additionally, he warned that serious crimes committed during these perilous journeys cannot be overlooked. “Crimes, including those affecting women and minors, should not go unpunished simply because they occur at sea. Proper consideration and prosecution of such crimes are necessary if we want to maintain credibility in our fight against traffickers and smugglers,” he urged.
Finally, he proposed that the Union must mobilise the resources it has available to support not only reception capacities but also other related activities that are essential for a comprehensive response. “It is not enough to provide short-term relief; sustainable support is needed to address the structural vulnerabilities faced by islands like El Hierro,” he stated.
