The border proposal seeks greater protection for Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands

The text distinguishes the land borders of Ceuta y Melilla from the maritime borders of the Canary Islands, with a special mention of El Hierro.

The Foro Ciudadano de Ayuda a Ceuta y Melilla presented a proposal for a popular legislative initiative in Madrid to strengthen the control and management of Spain’s external borders. The presentation took place at the Cremades & Calvo-Sotelo offices.

The measures include increased surveillance and operational cooperation between the Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad. The initiative also calls for improved information sharing and for evaluating the measures already in place to better match resources to the needs of each border.

The plan proposes anticipating possible incidents and improving the authorities’ response capacity. Its promoters argue that decisions should include input from residents and take into account neighbourly coexistence, as well as the continuity of economic activity, with attention to trade and employment.

The proposal is supported by more than 150 associations that are part of Sociedad Civil Española, a platform bringing together organisations from across the country.

Francisco Jaén, coordinator of the Foro, presented the objectives of the proposal. Noelia Alcázar, spokesperson and secretary general, outlined the concerns of Ceuta residents; Óscar Castellanos, board member and legal adviser, explained the legal basis. Amalio de Marichalar y Fernando Mut expressed the support of Sociedad Civil Española.

The presentation also served to announce a demonstration organised by Mujeres Caballas in Ceuta on 21 November. The organisers invited city residents and people from the peninsula to take part.