The EU Will Step Up Support for Spain Amid the Migration Crisis in Ceuta, Says von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union will provide Spain with additional support in response to the migration crisis in the enclave of Ceuta, where tens of thousands of migrants have illegally entered from Morocco.
She announced this on social media platform X.
The European Commission President called the situation in Ceuta unacceptable and emphasized that the EU cannot allow people to enter its territory unchecked.
“Dangerous attempts to cross the border must be stopped immediately. Smuggling networks must be dismantled. And returns must take place swiftly, as provided for by our rules,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
According to von der Leyen, she has tasked two European Commissioners with helping to stabilize the situation.
In particular, Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, is already cooperating with Spanish authorities and is ready to visit the most problematic areas; he will also coordinate additional operational support, including with the involvement of Frontex.
In addition, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica is maintaining constant contact with Moroccan authorities.
“I am confident that our close partnership with Morocco will help achieve concrete results,” emphasized Ursula von der Leyen.
The European Commission states that joint efforts with Spain, Morocco, and European agencies should help stabilize the situation at the EU’s external border and combat irregular migration.
Spain has stepped up security in the North African enclave of Ceuta following a mass border breach by migrants from Morocco. According to local authorities, thousands of people illegally crossed the border by sea and land, causing temporary shelters to become overcrowded. Military units were deployed to the region to stabilize the situation.
Earlier, the Spanish city of Ceuta declared a state of emergency due to the influx of migrants.
As a reminder, on Thursday, July 30, three migrants died while attempting to illegally cross the English Channel in a small boat near the French port of Dunkirk. This was reported by the local administration responsible for the English Channel and North Sea region.
For the first time since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, Germany has deported an Afghan citizen with no criminal record. He was among 31 Afghans who were returned to their homeland on July 28.
