Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo has urged the Spanish government to adopt six urgent measures to tackle a surge in migration to the archipelago. In a letter to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Clavijo expressed concern over the recent increase in arrivals by boat and called for improved coordination between the state and the European Union.
In October alone, 3,814 migrants reached the Canary Islands, with 2,776 landing on El Hierro. Clavijo emphasised that despite a recent downturn in arrivals, the risk from the Atlantic migration route remains. He highlighted that state authorities had prior information regarding a potential rise in crossings but had not acted sufficiently.
Clavijo’s proposals include an emergency meeting of the Canarias-State Security Board, a contingency plan that boosts resources for maritime rescue and first-response services, and increased diplomatic efforts with Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia to enhance cooperation against human trafficking.
He also called on Spain to activate solidarity mechanisms within the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and to advocate for the inclusion of the Canary Islands in the forthcoming European Emergency Response Framework.
Clavijo reiterated the need for a proactive, coordinated approach to migration, stating that the islands could not continue to respond reactively to emergencies. He requested explicit information from Sánchez regarding extraordinary measures taken by the Spanish government to address the ongoing situation.
The president concluded by reaffirming the Canary Islands’ commitment to collaboration while emphasising the government’s responsibility to ensure adequate resources and support in managing the migrant crisis effectively.
