The Spanish prime minister is set for talks with the EU after a surge in people-smuggling operations to the Canary Islands which are a holiday hotspot for Brits. The head of the EU Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez have flown to Mauritania to sign a series of deals after the data showed a worrying increase in migrant activity.
It’s thought that the number of people risking their lives by making the journey from West African shores to the islands has risen in the past year.
A statement said the leaders will meet to “discuss security, migration and stability in the Sahel region” on Thursday.
The country in west Africa is a significant point for thousands of migrants looking to reach the Canaries.
Sources said the route is “most active” for people-smugglers luring travellers into the high risk journey.
According to the data, 7,270 people were smuggled across the 900-mile stretch of water in January – a 566 rise from the same month in 2023.
Last year, Frontex recorded 380,000 irregular border crossings, making it the highest number since 2016.
The EU is hoping to strengthen ties with Mauritania as part of a policy to create strategic alliances. The EU also shared their aim in creating legal routes for migrants who are needed to fill jobs.
Head of Frontex, Hans Leijten, told Reuters: “Migration is a global phenomenon. We need to manage migration because we can’t cope with unmanaged migration to Europe.
“But a full stop – for me that seems very difficult, not to say impossible.” He added: “A credible return operation is very important to show both to the inhabitants of Europe, but also to the migrants. If you don’t need our protection … you will be returned.”
The EU said the trip would also include discussions around finance and development.
The commission is said to be hoping to strengthen security in west Africa, with the path for partnership cleared last October.
