Ceuta, declared a situation of interest for National Security

The Government of Spain has declared a situation of interest for National Security in the city of Ceuta through Royal Decree 681/2026, of August 25, published in the Official State Gazette number 209, of August 26, 2026 (official reference BOE-A-2026-18149). The measure responds to the unprecedented pressure generated by the irregular entry of migrants on July 30 and 31, which has affected the ordinary functioning of the city’s public services.

The declaration is adopted in accordance with articles 23 and 24 of Law 36/2015, of September 28, on National Security, following a report from the National Security Council. The text, signed by King Felipe R. and the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, defines the crisis as the indeterminate temporary stay in Ceuta of a high number of migrants in an irregular situation, which exceeds the ordinary capacities for management, reception, and citizen security.

Territorial Scope and Duration

The situation extends to the territory of the city of Ceuta, as well as its land border, border posts, coasts, ports, and adjacent waters in which Spain exercises sovereignty, jurisdiction, or competencies. The validity is set until December 31, 2026, with mechanisms allowing for its extension, the modification of its scope, or its early termination depending on the evolution of events.

The declaration does not entail the suspension of fundamental rights nor does it enable measures typical of states of alarm, exception, or siege, and it will be addressed using the ordinary powers and means of the public administrations.

Functional Authority and Coordination

The head of the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory is designated as the Functional Authority, with powers to direct and coordinate actions, establish common objectives, preserve Ceuta’s essential services, and coordinate international support. The National Security Council will exercise direction and coordination, assisted by the Situation Committee, chaired by the Functional Authority, and a permanent Coordination Cell is activated.

The Situation Committee includes, among others:

• Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
• Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and Ministry of Youth and Childhood.
• Governing Council of the City of Ceuta and Government Delegation in Ceuta.
• National Intelligence Center and the State Attorney General’s Office.

Mobilized Resources

The annexes of the royal decree detail the human and material resources of the General State Administration (Annex I) and the city of Ceuta (Annex II), which include border control capabilities, humanitarian aid, healthcare, child protection, transport, and security. Among the enabled infrastructures are lands belonging to the Ministry of Defense in Loma Margarita, the Guano esplanade, the Military Hospital, and several covered sports centers in the city.

The contribution of resources shall be governed by the principles of necessity, proportionality, efficiency, and temporality, without altering the organic dependency of the resources or the established chains of command. The Government shall immediately inform the Congress of Deputies of the measures adopted and the evolution of the situation.

Source: Official State Gazette, no. 209, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Section I, page 116803 (official reference: BOE-A-2026-18149).