Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser met her Spanish counterpart Fernando Grande-Marlaska to discuss the current migration situation and joint action against migrant smugglers and organised crime. "We have already decided on a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) at European level. We now need to act quickly to transpose European law into national law." The reform ensures comprehensive protection of the EU’s external borders and a fairer distribution of responsibility for refugees in Europe. "This will provide long-term relief for our municipalities," said Federal Minister Faeser, who aims at a speedy implementation of the reform in Germany.

Civil protection in Spanish regions currently affected by flooding

The current situation in the Spanish regions affected by flooding was also discussed at the meeting. Federal Minister Faeser extended her sincere condolences to her Spanish counterpart. "Our thoughts, our sympathy and our solidarity are with our Spanish friends." Flooding in the Spanish provinces of Valencia and Málaga claimed the lives of more than 200 people. "Extreme weather conditions and flooding, as we have recently seen in Spain, show that we have to better prepare for natural disasters and climate change." Mutual support in cases of natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies is a priority for all EU member states and a strong sign of European solidarity. "If our Spanish friends need help, our experienced emergency relief and search and rescue teams of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief can provide assistance," Federal Minister Faeser confirmed.

What is the Federal Government doing in terms of civil protection?
The Federal Government presented a plan for implementing the Resilience Strategy in July. The plan sets out 420 measures for disaster management, prevention and preparedness.

Strengthening Spanish-German cooperation

Another topic in the discussion with Minister Grande-Marlaska was the fight against migrant smuggling and action to curb irregular migration. As a country of transit, Spain is an important ally and partner for Germany. Prior to the talks, Federal Minister Faeser visited the Spanish Centre for Border and Migration Monitoring of the Directorate-General of the Guardia Civil and the Policía Nacional of the General Commissariat responsible for issues regarding foreign nationals and border issues. The Policía Nacional and the German Federal Police also cooperate closely in border police issues.

The Policía Nacional and the Guardia Civil also deployed the largest police contingent of all participating countries in support of the German Federal Police during UEFA EURO 2024. Federal Minister Faeser thanked her Spanish counterpart for their work in Germany.

The joint fight against organised crime was also discussed, in particular international drug trafficking. “In order to tackle the massive spiral of violence related to drug trafficking, we must also increase port security,” said Federal Minister Faeser. To this end, Germany, Spain and other European countries have founded the European Ports Alliance – a security alliance for European sea ports. In May, Federal Minister Faeser hosted the meeting in Hamburg. The next meeting will take place in Spain in 2025.