The President of the Island Council of Ibiza, Vicent Marí, has urged the European Union in Brussels to strengthen border control in the Balearic Islands and to deploy Frontex in support of surveillance and migration management across the archipelago.
Marí stated that this request is “a shared demand by the regional government and the four island councils”, emphasising the need for direct EU involvement in a situation that, he warned, “completely exceeds local capacities.”
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He made these remarks after participating, alongside Balearic President Marga Prohens and the other island council presidents, in a meeting with EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, held at the European Commission headquarters.
During the meeting, Marí explained the “collapse and overcrowding” faced by local social services, particularly those responsible for unaccompanied migrant minors. In Ibiza, the system is currently caring for over 100 young people despite having only 40 available places.
Vicent Marí calls for stronger EU involvement to address migration pressure in the Balearic Islands
“This isn’t just an economic issue — it’s about capacity. There is not enough space, not enough staff, and every new arrival pushes us to the limit,” said Marí.
“A European and national challenge”
Marí stressed that the migration pressure experienced in the Balearic Islands cannot fall solely on the island councils, as it is a challenge that must be addressed at both the national and European levels.
“Mediterranean islands are Europe’s gateway, but that door cannot remain open without control or shared responsibility. Ibiza cannot manage this issue alone — it is a European challenge,” he said.
Calls to Spain and the EU
In addition to requesting the deployment of Frontex, the Balearic representatives urged the Spanish Government to take full responsibility for migration management, border control, repatriation, and the protection of minors.
“Europe understands that this cannot rest on local administrations. Now it’s time for the State to understand it too,” Marí emphasized.
A step forward for island territories
The meeting with Commissioner Brunner follows the Conference of Island Presidents held in Ibiza last May, where leaders agreed to bring the issue to European institutions due to the lack of response from the Spanish Government.
Marí expressed gratitude for the commissioner’s willingness to listen and welcomed the European Commission’s commitment to studying specific measures for island territories.
“Today we take an important step forward: Europe is listening to Ibiza. Now we need action. The future of the Mediterranean depends on our ability to protect not only our borders but also the people and territories that sustain them,” he concluded.