Ceuta migrant crisis: EU gives Spain €115m in aid

The European Union said Wednesday it was granting Spain 115 million euros in emergency aid to strengthen border security and support returns after a mass migrant rush into Ceuta.

More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish North African territory on July 30 and 31. Scores died, most by drowning as they tried to swim around a breakwater.

European Commission vice president Henna Virkkunen said the situation in Ceuta had put pressure on the EU's external borders. She said the bloc was committed to combating illegal migration and ensuring the swift return of people who remain illegally in Ceuta.

Brussels said the funds would go toward border surveillance, border protection and security-related infrastructure, including thermal cameras, floating buoy systems and underwater drones. It said the money would also help create migrant screening facilities and support returns.

Spain requested assistance from Brussels in late August. Most of the migrants who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco, but thousands remain in difficult living conditions, increasing tensions in the small city and creating a political storm for Spain's government.

Spain's top criminal court opened an investigation on Monday into the deadly rush, alleging it was facilitated by Morocco and pointing to failings by Moroccan police. Spain's government says there is no solid proof that the surge was planned by Morocco.

The crisis has also caused rifts between EU countries, with Spain's left-wing government clashing with Italy's hard-right authorities after Rome increased border controls.