EU strengthens efforts to manage migration from Gambia, Senegal through enhanced cooperation
The European Union has pledged to intensify its efforts in managing migration from West Africa, focusing on preventing irregular arrivals from The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania. European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas made the announcement during an official visit to Africa, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to addressing migration challenges by strengthening partnerships with countries of origin and transit.
Schinas emphasized that the EU is dedicated to supporting the Canary Islands, which have experienced a surge in migrant arrivals, particularly from West Africa. “You are not alone; Europe is at your side,” Schinas stated during a joint press conference with the Canary Islands’ President Fernando Clavijo in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
As part of its response, the European Commission will allocate an additional €14 million to Spain to enhance reception facilities for irregular migrants in the Canary Islands, with a special focus on minors. Schinas also highlighted that Brussels will enable the use of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to tackle the migration emergency.
In a broader strategy, Schinas stressed that cooperation with African nations must go beyond migration management, encompassing growth, trade, investment, and opportunities to help people build better lives at home. “We have dealt with migration as firefighters, and now it is time to act as architects,” Schinas remarked, emphasizing the importance of long-term solutions and expanding the role of the EU’s border control agency, Frontex.
The EU has committed €500 million in funding to support Spain’s migration management, with €20 million specifically designated for the Canary Islands. This is in addition to the €14 million package announced on Wednesday.
The EU’s renewed focus on migration comes as Spain faces an increase in migrant arrivals. Between January and mid-August of this year, 22,304 migrants reached the Canary Islands, compared to 9,864 during the same period in 2023—representing a 126% rise. Across all of Spain, migrant arrivals have increased by 66.2% year-over-year, according to the Spanish interior ministry.
Schinas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to addressing migration holistically, blending immediate humanitarian needs with long-term economic opportunities to prevent dangerous crossings.
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