EU Commissioner Johansson visits the Canary Islands to provide support on migration management

Brussels, 14 December 2023

On 15 December, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, will travel to the Canary Islands together with the Minister of the Interior of Spain, Fernando Grande-Marlaska; the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres; the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, Elma Saiz; and the State Secretary of Asylum and Migration of Belgium, Nicole De Moor.

In view of the recent increases in irregular arrivals to the Canary Islands, Commissioner Johansson will discuss the situation with the regional President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation on migration management, preventing irregular departures, and saving lives, while working closely with key partner countries. A joint press conference will take place at 12:30 GMT.

Commissioner Johansson will visit the Regional Coordination Centre of the Canary Islands, run by the Guardia Civil. A visit to the Centre for Temporary Attention for Foreigners will follow in the afternoon.

The visit builds on the ongoing work to implement the  EU Action Plan on the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic migration routes, including by strengthening partnerships with key countries of origin and transit along the route, in full coordination with the Member States. The EU also continues to provide financial and operational support for the Canary Islands to manage migration, including with the ‘Joint Operation Canary Islands’ coordinated by Frontex and the support of the European Union Agency for Asylum.