The European Parliament will hold a debate next Tuesday on the migration crisis in Spanish enclave of Ceuta, amid divisions among major political groups over how to respond to the situation, the Parliament noted on Wednesday.
Some parties in the European Parliament, such as the European People's Party, are pushing for a vote following the debate, with a resolution expected to include calls for stricter migration policies and criticism of the Spanish government's handling of the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in Europe is expected to defend the Spanish government and call for greater solidarity among EU member states in addressing migration pressures.
The European Commission on Wednesday decided to provide Spain with 114.7 million euros in emergency assistance to help manage the situation in Ceuta, following the large-scale illegal border crossings on July 30-31.
The European Union held a video-conference in August upon a 22-country initiative led by Italy and Denmark for a coordinated European response to the migrant crisis.
Italy temporarily suspend the Schengen free-movement regime for maritime and air links with Spain and reintroduce border checks on Aug. 1, and announced on Aug. 31 to extend border controls on arrivals from Spain for a further 15 days.
Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas told an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in August that about 80,000 people entered Ceuta, nearly 75,000 of whom subsequently returned voluntarily.
Between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain in the enclave, leaving reception centers overwhelmed and creating a severe humanitarian emergency, he said, calling for stronger security, more reception resources and greater support from EU agencies.
European Parliament to debate Ceuta migration crisis
