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EU expresses solidarity with Spain over Ceuta migration crisis, vows to bolster borders
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

EU expresses solidarity with Spain over Ceuta migration crisis, vows to bolster borders

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • EU Interior Ministers expressed solidarity with Spain following the migration crisis in Ceuta and agreed to strengthen the EU's external borders.
  • Ministers praised Spain's response and expressed condolences for lives lost during the crossings, noting most irregular migrants have been returned.
  • The EU plans to enhance efforts against human trafficking networks, accelerate returns, and improve cooperation with third countries to manage migration flows.

European Union Interior Ministers have conveyed their solidarity with Spain in the wake of the migration crisis that unfolded in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. During an emergency video conference, ministers from EU member states and Schengen-associated countries discussed the developments and the protection of the Union's external borders.

The ministers collectively affirmed the EU's unity and readiness to support Spain, emphasizing that the bloc's external borders are a shared responsibility. They commended the swift and effective actions taken by Spanish authorities and expressed sorrow for the individuals who lost their lives attempting to cross. According to information provided by Spain and the European Commission, the vast majority of migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly have already been repatriated, with no recorded movement towards mainland Spain or other EU member states.

The EU is united and ready to support Spain and protect our external borders from illegal immigration.

— EU Council StatementThe Council stated the EU's position following an emergency video conference on the Ceuta migration crisis.

Key conclusions from the meeting highlighted the need to bolster the fight against human trafficking networks, expedite return procedures for irregular migrants, and further strengthen border security. The ministers also stressed the importance of deepening cooperation with third countries to achieve more effective management of migration flows. This includes enhancing early warning systems through improved information exchange and social media monitoring to detect potential mass migration movements.

Furthermore, the ministers underscored the necessity of improving coordination and communication during crisis periods to counter disinformation and foreign manipulation of information more effectively. Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, presiding over the council, reiterated that the EU remains united and prepared to assist Spain, stating, "the EU's external borders are a common responsibility and migration requires a common European response."

the EU's external borders are a common responsibility and migration requires a common European response.

— Jim O’CallaghanThe Irish Justice Minister, presiding over the council, emphasized the EU's collective approach to border security and migration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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