EU Calls for Tightened Borders Following Migrant Crisis in Ceuta
Istanbul (ANTARA) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasised the importance of strict surveillance at Europe’s external borders, following the migration crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa that shares a direct border with Morocco.
“This demonstrates why our European border controls are so vital. We already have a robust system, but it needs to be further enhanced and strengthened,” Von der Leyen stated via a post on the social media platform X on Saturday.
The President of the European Commission stressed that EU authorities must remain vigilant at key entry points and maintain close coordination between relevant agencies.
“At the same time, we need a learning process to increase European resilience,” she said.
She stated that the majority of illegal immigrants who had entered the Spanish enclave in North Africa, Ceuta, have now returned to Morocco thanks to the cooperation of law enforcement from both countries.
“The good news is that most of those who arrived illegally have returned to Morocco due to the effective work of Spanish and Moroccan law enforcement,” said Von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen noted that she had held a video conference with the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, and the Commissioner for the Mediterranean and Demography, Dubravka Suica, to obtain the latest updates regarding the crisis in Ceuta.
Von der Leyen also conveyed that the European Commission has offered full assistance to Spain since the beginning of the crisis.
She welcomed proposals from several EU member state leaders urging an emergency video conference to evaluate the handling of the situation.
“Combating illegal migration requires solidarity and a united European response,” said Von der Leyen.
Previously, several European leaders called for an emergency meeting of EU home ministers to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta and to formulate coordinated steps to prevent further illegal crossings.
According to data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, at least 67 people died while attempting to reach Spanish territory during the crisis, while almost 70,000 immigrants who had entered Ceuta from Morocco have since returned.