Spanish gov't holds first inter-ministerial meeting on refugee crisis

The Spanish government held on Monday the first inter-ministerial meeting on the refugees' crisis where they talked about the resources needed to receive the refugees.

The Spanish government said it has no limit in receiving refugees, but has urged the European Union (EU) to take a rapid decision about it, refusing at the same time speculations about the number of refugees Spain could receive.

Spain's State Secretary for Parliament Relations Jose Luis Ayllon and the general secretary of Migrations and Immigration, Marian del Corral, highlighted after the meeting that the 2016 General State Budget considered a larger amount of resources for refugees, however they said it could be increased if needed.

Marian del Corral emphasized that the government had to be ready and thanked institutions, organizations and Spanish families for their generosity, as many of them have already showed their intention to take refugees in.

Barcelona's city council was the first one in Spain to announce its intention to assist refugees following on the crisis occurring in Europe. After the mayor, Ada Colau, announced her proposal, she received letters from many citizens offering their help and their homes to take refugees in.

Barcelona was followed by Madrid's city council with mayor Manuela Carmena announcing that the capital of Spain would be joining the network of refuge cities proposed by Ada Colau.

On Monday, the city council of the capital of Spain displayed a big placard on the facade of Palacio de Cibeles that said "Refugees welcome".

Other cities in Spain have already backed up the plan, while Barcelona created last week a register where locals can offer their help via writing an email to a provisional specific address. Endit