The European Union (EU) on Wednesday announced that it would grant Spain some €115 million ($130 million) in emergency financial aid to help bolster the bloc's external borders and return thousands of individuals who overwhelmed authorities in the country's North African exclave Ceuta in late July.
Spain initially requested the funding on August 24.
Brussels said the funds would help finance "measures to enhance border surveillance, border protection and security-related infrastructure" such as thermal cameras, floating buoy systems and underwater drones: "It will also serve to set up facilities for the screening of migrants, as well as to support returns of those who remain illegally in Ceuta."
"The situation in Ceuta has put pressure on our external borders," said European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen. "Our message remains clear: We are committed to combating illegal migration and ensuring the swift return of those who remain illegally in Ceuta."Unaccompanied minors at risk of sexual assault in CeutaTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
What happened in Ceuta?
