The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, confirmed this Wednesday in Melilla the “full adaptation” of the border crossing of Beni Inicio to the requirements established by the European Union for the smart border, which will come into operation in the coming months.
“The autonomous city has a modern position that will guarantee a more agile, safe and effective border management and will benefit the population of Melilla,” said the minister during his visit to the new facilities this morning, accompanied by the Government delegate in Melilla, Sabrina Moh.
Grande-Marlaska highlighted Spain’s commitment to the deadlines and requirements requested by the European Union for the implementation of the smart border. “We are ready for its entry into force when the European Commission determines it, predictably in October,” he explained. The system will make it possible to electronically record the time and place of entry and exit of third-country nationals admitted for a short-term stay in the Schengen territory.
The adaptation of the border post has required an investment of close to 11 million euros to equip with modern technological systems the access to the border and adapt the facilities, “in an unprecedented comprehensive intervention,” Grande-Marlaska stressed. The minister also recalled the investment in infrastructure in the fenced perimeter of the autonomous city, which raises the figure to more than 38 million euros.
Among other improvements, the work of the border post has included the creation of new entry and exit terminals for pedestrians and vehicles, the adaptation of lanes and closed-circuit television and telecommunications systems, as well as the modernization and equipment of service facilities for the State Security Forces and Bodies and the creation of new operating control rooms.
Grande-Marlaska has highlighted the importance of the new infrastructure to facilitate border management with Morocco, which he has described as a “strategic partner” in the fight against terrorism and organized crime and in migratory matters, as well as a “friend and brother country”.
On his arrival in the autonomous city, the head of the Interior held an operational meeting with the delegate of the Government, Sabrina Moh, which was also attended by the Commissioner General of Immigration and Borders of the National Police, Chief Commissioner Julián Ávila; the head of the Border Control and Maritime Police of the Civil Guard, Lieutenant General Manuel Navarrete; the superior head of the National Police in Melilla, Chief Commissioner José Antonio Togores; and the head of the Command of the Civil Guard in the autonomous city, Colonel Jesús Rueda.