The Valencian Community is set to welcome at least 350 migrants from the Canary Islands, a figure announced in Alicante on Thursday by Government delegate Pilar Bernabé. She warned that this number could rise due to the continuous arrivals of canoes in the archipelago, highlighting the fluid and evolving nature of the situation. The declaration came amid tensions in some PP-led regions over criticisms of how the central government handles migrant distribution on the Peninsula. Bernabé also announced the creation of a service through the publicly traded company Tragsa, under the Ministry of Finance, to assist municipalities in accessing Next Generation funds.
Bernabé stressed that the Canary Islands require support from autonomous communities and pointed out Valencian leadership as a positive example. She recalled 2017 when the Aquarius delivered 650 migrants who could not find shelter in any European port. This experience, she said, shaped a more welcoming and internationally recognized Valencian community and served as a reference for solidarity across the world [Citation: Valencia regional government records].
In response to criticism over the Government’s lack of information on migrant distribution and amid the Madrid regional leadership saga led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Bernabé urged an end to hate speech that misrepresents Valencian sentiment and sensitivity.
He underscored that the institutions ready to accept migrants are those with a long history of accommodating newcomers and who have conveyed their space availability. After confirming that the process would proceed in a safe and legal manner, Bernabé conveyed the 350-strong figure to Susana Camarero, the Generalitat’s second vice president. The daily flow in the Canary Islands causes fluctuations, and he warned that the islands will need rapid action to respond to this dynamic.
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On the methodology, Bernabé explained that municipalities will receive clear information about how arrivals occurred. The focus remains on the wellbeing of migrants who are exhausted and in need of rest. The central government will handle maintenance and accommodation responsibilities.
She also defended the immigration policies of Pedro Sánchez, noting a 40 percent reduction in arrivals to the Canary Islands. This route is currently among the least traveled in Europe. The objective is to place each person in appropriate settings, while countering human trafficking and mafias exploiting vulnerable people. Travel disruptions were significant at first, but October and November marked a rebound in activity [Cited: EU migratory statistics].
Tragsa
The remarks came after a meeting with Tragsa officials at the Sub-Delegation of the Government in Alicante, outlining a plan to help municipalities access Next Generation Europe funds. The aim is to alleviate the adverse economic effects of the pandemic and maximize EU investments for local projects.
The delegate affirmed that the Spanish Government will meet the objectives of this assistance across all regions and that the service is designed to support local organizations in reaching the milestones set by the European Union, with the overarching goal of maximizing Brussels funding [Cited: EU grants framework].
In this context, Bernabé did not hide concern about what is happening in some municipalities. She noted that in the Valencian Community, including Alicante province, there are communities at risk of losing subsidies due to governance positions seen as denying sustainability initiatives. This plan, she emphasized, is crucial to help municipalities avoid implementation problems and to ensure smooth access to aid.
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The service, offered free of charge, will be provided through the Ministry of Finance, which operates offices across the three provinces of the Valencian Community. Municipal councils will need to visit these offices to request the support they require.
The initiative targets all municipalities, with a special focus on smaller towns that typically face greater hurdles in carrying out EU procedures and meeting all requirements.
Bernabé stressed that the service will accompany local organizations through the entire process of securing funds until 2026. She noted that 150 of the 542 municipalities in the Valencian Community have already participated, while the objective is to reach a far larger number. Plans include inviting mayors and councilors to three informational meetings in each province soon, so they can personally learn the details of this valuable service.