The Government has approved a plan of 309 million euros aimed at Ceuta, with the goal of mitigating the crisis following the mass arrival of immigrants. This package includes direct aid for SMEs and self-employed workers, as well as tax reductions.
The Council of Ministers has approved a royal decree law that mobilises 309 million euros for Ceuta, in response to the crisis generated by the entry of between 70,000 and 80,000 immigrants. This plan, which represents 16% of Ceuta's GDP, focuses its efforts on employment protection measures, aid for businesses, and tax reductions, and is expected to extend until 2031 with a total investment of 507.5 million euros, according to expansion.com.
The plan is organised into four direct spending axes for 2026: 118 million for humanitarian reception, 90 million for security, 80 million for the productive fabric and employment, and 21 million for essential services. Employment protection measures include ERTEs of force majeure, which will apply until 31 December 2026.
Companies will benefit from a 100% exemption on Social Security contributions from September to December. Additionally, an extraordinary benefit for cessation of activity for self-employed workers will be activated, and direct aid of up to 5,000 euros will be made available for approximately 2,600 self-employed workers and subsidies ranging from 10,000 to 150,000 euros for 1,400 companies.
Applications for these aids will open on 14 September and payments are expected to begin in October. Furthermore, the plan includes 16.65 million for training and promotion, as well as tax improvements that will increase deductions in Corporate Tax and Personal Income Tax for the self-employed.
The decree also allocates 4.25 million euros annually for the Port of Ceuta, ensuring an investment of over 21 million in five years to modernise facilities and improve maritime connectivity with the peninsula.
Regarding public services, 21 million euros are assigned to strengthen healthcare and judicial attention, and 90 million for security, including the deployment of the Armed Forces and the Civil Guard. This plan thus becomes a key tool to face the economic and social challenges facing Ceuta.
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