EU Chief Urges Spain to Bolster External Borders After Ceuta Migrant Surge

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Spain to bolster the European Union's external borders, emphasizing the need for increased action at critical points. Her remarks come in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, dated August 3, following the recent influx of tens of thousands of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.

Von der Leyen reiterated the EU's support for Spain in combating illegal immigration but stressed that more efforts are required. She suggested improving early warning systems for border management and expanding technical and financial assistance to Morocco. The situation in Ceuta and the other Spanish North African enclave, Melilla, is a recurring challenge, with migrants frequently attempting to reach Europe.

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In cooperation with Spain, particularly concerning everything related to Ceuta and Melilla, we could improve the early warning systems for border management and expand our technical and financial support for Morocco.

In response to the volatile migration situation, the interior ministers of the 27 EU member states are scheduled to hold a video conference to discuss enhanced border protection. This online meeting was convened at the request of 22 EU leaders. Sebastian Hille, deputy government spokesperson in Berlin, stated that the discussions aim to prevent similar incidents from recurring and to address the volatile nature of migration.

Spain estimates that approximately 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco in the past four days, exceeding initial estimates of around 50,000 arrivals in Ceuta. Reports indicate that at least 72 people died during the crossings. Some migrants cited reasons for leaving, including lack of food due to shop closures, hostility from locals, and the inability to travel to mainland Spain. The incident has highlighted the precariousness of the situation at the EU's southern borders.

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It is, of course, about discussing that such things do not happen again.