ZARZALEJOS CALLS FOR A COMPREHENSIVE EUROPEAN STRATEGY TO STRENGTHEN THE SOUTHERN BORDER DURING VISIT TO MELILLA

On Thursday, May 22, MEP Javier Zarzalejos called for a comprehensive European Union strategy to reinforce the position of the autonomous cities of Melilla and Ceuta as key border enclaves. His statement came during an official mission organized by the European People’s Party (EPP), which also included MEPs Dolors Montserrat, Juan Ignacio Zoido, Tomas Tobé, Lena Düpont, and Tomáš Zdechovský. The aim of the visit was to assess, on the ground, the migration, security, and development challenges faced by this territory at Europe’s southern border.

“We want to see the situation firsthand. Melilla, like Ceuta, is an external EU border and we must reinforce what that means as a European outpost,” Zarzalejos stated after meeting with local authorities, as well as representatives from the National Police and the Civil Guard unions. In 2024, Ceuta and Melilla registered a total of 2,647 irregular land arrivals, an increase of 114.5% compared to the previous year, prompting EU institutions to focus on the urgent need for more logistical and human resources.

The parliamentary visit, which included a tour of the border fence and institutional meetings at the Melilla Assembly, also served to highlight broader structural issues beyond migration.

Zarzalejos stressed that the debate should not be limited to “exposure to migratory pressures like those recently experienced,” but must include “a comprehensive strategy that takes into account trade relations with Morocco, transport links with mainland Spain, healthcare infrastructure, and conditions to attract investment.”

The MEP also emphasized Melilla’s role in providing care to migrants, especially unaccompanied minors. “We must support the city’s efforts to assist the migrant population, particularly minors,” he insisted. The European People’s Party reaffirmed its commitment to bringing Melilla’s specific needs to Brussels to ensure the European response matches the city’s geopolitical importance.