Nerea Melgosa, the counselor for Social Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge of the Basque Government, has been clear in stating that the Arana center is not suitable for Euskadi's reception model. "Euskadi needs different types of resources, not ones like the Arana center; we have small spaces: Oñati, Tolosa, and Berriz," the counselor stated in an interview with the program Egun On Euskadi on ETB1.
Melgosa has expressed her concern regarding the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, set to come into effect on June 12. The counselor denounced that neither the Basque Government nor the Canary Islands Government has received any information from the Spanish Government to date. "It is worrying for us, as some models and measures will come into force, and we don't know how far they will reach. We need to know what our role will be," she affirmed, requesting information and loyalty from the Spanish Government.
Furthermore, the counselor argued that Euskadi should receive recognition as a Northern Border, stating that political will is lacking for this. Regarding the regularization process for migrants, Melgosa specified that thousands of people in the capitals of Euskadi are processing their applications. "Regularization is not within our competence, but we have created a guide and are offering training sessions," she added.
“"If the center is going to be built in Euskadi, we will have to contribute and have a lot to say"
Melgosa also noted that the modification of the Youth Law comes at an opportune moment, as the current law dates back to 2012. "From the Department, we are also working on modifying the Leisure Time Decree. A good treatment campaign has been launched for associations and monitors, there will be greater child protection, and we will have three inspectors to oversee the camps," she explained.
