EU leaders demand action on illegal migration after Ceuta border events

Brussels – European Union leaders have collectively expressed grave concern over recent events at the EU's external border in Ceuta, calling for immediate and decisive action against illegal migration. In a letter addressed to key EU officials, including European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, leaders stressed their commitment to preventing human traffickers from undermining the integrity of the EU's external borders.

"Together, we have a duty to effectively deter illegal migration and fight it decisively – by coordinating our actions, strengthening our external border protection, and removing all policy factors that could act as pull factors, such as the regularization of the status of a very large number of irregular migrants," the letter states. The leaders warned against creating the impression that illegal entry into the EU could lead to legal residency, citing the risks of uncontrolled mass border crossings and the instrumentalization of migration.

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Together, we have a duty to effectively deter illegal migration and fight it decisively – by coordinating our actions, strengthening our external border protection, and removing all policy factors that could act as pull factors, such as the regularization of the status of a very large number of irregular migrants.

They highlighted the importance of a unified European response, commending the close cooperation between Spain and Morocco in returning migrants and expressing confidence that the situation would be fully managed with EU support. The leaders requested an urgent extraordinary meeting of EU interior ministers to agree on a coordinated response, including the swift deployment of existing EU resources and necessary support for Spain to restore effective control over the EU's external border.

"We reaffirm our readiness to take all necessary measures under EU law and the Schengen Borders Code to ensure public order and manage the risks arising from secondary movements, including the strengthening or reintroduction of temporary internal border controls," the letter added. The leaders reiterated that border protection, preventing illegal migration, and ensuring solidarity with frontline member states are a shared European responsibility, urging for unity, determination, and swift action.

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We reaffirm our readiness to take all necessary measures under EU law and the Schengen Borders Code to ensure public order and manage the risks arising from secondary movements, including the strengthening or reintroduction of temporary internal border controls.