PRESENTATION OF THE LIBE MISSION REPORT TO EL HIERRO

On September 22, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), chaired by Javier Zarzalejos, discussed the report on the mission to the island of El Hierro (May 26–28, 2025), which was carried out to assess the migratory situation on the island in light of the significant increase in arrivals via the Atlantic route.

In its conclusions, the report stresses:

The urgent need for smooth coordination between all levels of authority—European, national, regional, and local—and for strengthening staff, resources, and funding to respond to migratory flows.

The disproportionate pressure on El Hierro, an island with barely 11,000 inhabitants that received more than 26,000 migrants in 2024, highlighting a structural imbalance that requires permanent European support.

The critical situation of centers for unaccompanied minors, which continue to operate beyond their capacity, and the need to improve reception, identification, and age-determination procedures.

The importance of fully implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, with effective asylum and return procedures that ensure respect for fundamental rights.

The need to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit, as well as to effectively combat trafficking and smuggling networks, including those operating in international waters, where crimes currently remain largely unpunished.

The essential role of European agencies, in particular Frontex and the EUAA, which must move from an emergency approach to structural and sustained support.

The report also highlights the solidarity shown by the population of El Hierro, which has faced migratory pressure without incidents of rejection, demonstrating an example of humanitarian commitment.