Brussels, 9 September 2026.- The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, concluded this Wednesday in Brussels a two-day series of meetings with officials from European institutions aimed at promoting the integration of Ceuta and Melilla into the European Union and placing them "at the heart of Europe". The Minister welcomed the announcement, made public today by the Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, to provide the €114.7 million requested by Spain. Minister Albares reiterated this request to him during their meeting on Tuesday to reinforce security at the Ceuta border and expedite ongoing procedures to restore normality as soon as possible.
This Wednesday, Albares held a meeting with authorities from the European Committee of the Regions to ensure that Ceuta and Melilla have a permanent presence in the Spanish delegation to this European Union institution.
Subsequently, the Minister held a meeting with the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, in which they assessed the ways to enhance the economic and commercial integration of Ceuta and Melilla into the European Union. They analysed the options for their incorporation into the Customs Union and the formulas that allow for the recognition of the geographical specificity of Ceuta and Melilla within the Union.
The Minister also met with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, with whom he stressed the need to address the challenges of the European southern border and cooperation with the Southern Neighbourhood, promoting stability and cooperation with North Africa, which must play a central role in the next edition of the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Finally, Albares met with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, with whom the Minister stressed that it is imperative that the European Union attaches equal importance to the various threats and challenges of each of its borders so that Europe responds with solidarity and unity in all cases.
With this visit, the Government reaffirms its commitment to continue working together with the European institutions to reinforce the presence of Ceuta and Melilla in the European project and to advance towards a greater participation of both cities in the policies and instruments of the European Union.