The President of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, renewed his appeal to the Spanish Government to urgently request assistance from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to strengthen border control in the Mediterranean and curb the arrival of migrant boats (pateras) to the island. This request was directed to the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, following the refusal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, in March to solicit Frontex’s intervention, suggesting instead that the Consell approach the Interior Ministry.
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The President of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, renewed his appeal to the Spanish Government to urgently request assistance from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to strengthen border control in the Mediterranean
In his letter, Galmés expressed disappointment with the Foreign Ministry’s response and emphasised the situation’s urgency, urging the Interior Minister not to ignore Mallorca’s plea for assistance. He highlighted the need for the Spanish Government to act promptly by requesting Frontex’s intervention in the Mediterranean. Additionally, Galmés called for a comprehensive national migration policy that acknowledges the Balearic route, increased funding to compensate the Consell de Mallorca’s economic efforts, the restoration of diplomatic relations with Algeria, and a strategic shift to enhance border surveillance against human trafficking networks to prevent further arrivals of migrant boats that endanger lives.
This appeal follows a resolution approved by the Consell’s Plenary on February 13, 2025, in response to a significant increase in migrant arrivals to the Balearic Islands. Notably, the arrival of unaccompanied migrant minors to Mallorca surged by 625% compared to 2020, with 368 children and adolescents arriving in 2024. Galmés reminded the Spanish Government that the Consell de Mallorca is responsible for the care of these minors, with three out of four in the protection system being unaccompanied migrant children, leading to a 1,000% overcapacity in reception centres.