Marlaska attributes the differences with Frontex to technical issues that he hopes will be resolved in "hours"

Frontex points out that the "delay" does not imply a "cessation" of operations

BRUSSELS, 25 Ene. (EUROPE PRESS) -

The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, attributed this Thursday to "technical" issues the differences with the European border control agency (Frontex) that have suspended joint operations for migration management in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands (operation Índalo) and has hoped that they will be resolved in "hours."

"The years-long relationship with Frontex and joint operations is a close, positive relationship of mutual trust," the minister expressed in statements to the press in Brussels, where he is attending an informal meeting of EU Interior Ministers.

According to the head of the Interior, the new European regulations on data protection that Frontex must transfer to its operations since January 18 is the root of the differences because the initial proposals on operational plans must be adapted, although he has insisted that "It is a technical issue, not an operational one."

"The agreement proposal is on Frontex's table. (Resolving it) is a matter of hours rather than days," said the minister when asked about the information provided by the newspaper 'El País' regarding the agency's threat. to abandon joint operations if differences are not resolved.

In this sense, the minister has ruled out that there is a crisis situation but has framed it in the "ordinary management" of the extension of the action plans in force, while emphasizing that Spain and Frontex maintain an "absolute cooperation close and with maximum loyalty".

Also from the European border and coast guard corps they are confident that the suspended operational plan can be renewed "as soon as possible" to be able to "continue supporting Spain" in the control of the external border; since the two parties maintain a "constructive" relationship marked by "mutual commitment and fruitful cooperation" in migration management.

"I can assure you that the delay in starting operation Indalo does not indicate a cessation of Frontex operations in Spain," a spokesperson for the European agency assured Europa Press, who also stressed that Spain is "a key partner" with whom collaborates on many other missions.

Thus, the spokesperson added that "it is not unusual" that in the framework of international cooperation, negotiations on operational plans "require more time for a thorough discussion and agreement" and it is part of the "usual adaptation process" of each operation. to "changing and specific circumstances, challenges and needs."

The ongoing discussions are therefore part of the "efforts" to ensure that operations are "effective and efficient", while "aligning" the needs and demands of Member States with the objectives and mandate of Frontex.