The letter criticizes the absence of a prior, real, and effective process of dialogue, coordination, and planning with the autonomous communities by the central government. The new European framework, in effect since June 12, establishes common rules for migration management, asylum, and border control, but the regions believe their participation is crucial for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of these measures.
Clavijo and Pradales clarify that they do not seek to create an internal Spanish dispute but rather to highlight a lack of multilevel governance that could affect democratic quality, operational efficiency, and the protection of fundamental rights.
The core of the complaint focuses on the lack of regional participation in planning the new system. They argue that the General State Administration cannot design the Pact's application exclusively, as its consequences directly impact autonomous communities, island councils, provincial councils, municipalities, and territorial public services.
In the case of the Canary Islands, migration management has a direct impact due to its status as Europe's southern border, receiving maritime arrivals and maintaining sustained pressure on its reception resources, particularly concerning unaccompanied migrant minors. The Basque Country, meanwhile, has advocated for incorporating a territorial and social perspective into policies for the reception and integration of migrants.
The presidents are calling for a recognized role for autonomous communities in the Pact's implementation, requesting that institutional coordination be prior, effective, and stable, not limited to occasional communications or decisions already made. They warn that implementation without territorial participation could lead to imbalances in care, resource distribution, and the protection of migrants or asylum seekers.
They emphasize that the Pact's consequences extend beyond border controls or asylum procedures, affecting areas such as social services, child protection, healthcare, education, housing, socio-labor integration, and coexistence in reception territories.
The Government of the Canary Islands had previously argued, alongside the Basque Executive, that the Pact must consider the reality of border territories and communities bearing greater reception responsibilities. They insist that their geographical position demands specific measures, adequate resources, and real coordination with the State and EU institutions.
The complaint, arriving shortly after the new European framework came into force, places the debate on the relationship between the State, autonomous communities, and the European Union. Both executives request participation not only in the initial phase but also in the monitoring and evaluation of the Pact to identify problems and adapt public response to territorial realities.
