EU treats Ceuta migrant crisis as European issue, Croatia advocates unified approach

Croatia's Interior Minister Davor Božinović affirmed that the European Union is addressing the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta as a continental issue, a stance Croatia has consistently championed. Speaking on Saturday, Božinović stated that the EU's approach recognizes the situation as a European problem, not solely a Spanish one, aligning with Croatia's long-held advocacy.

Božinović reported that the situation in Ceuta has been stabilizing since Friday, with nearly all migrants who entered the enclave being returned. He confirmed Croatia's participation in an initiative by 22 EU member states to convene an extraordinary meeting of interior ministers to discuss the crisis. He also pointed out that Ceuta's location in Africa means migrants arriving there have not technically entered the European continent, and that such external enclaves are not part of the Schengen Area.

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This is a situation where the European Union has treated an incursion or attack on the territory of an EU member state as a European problem, not just a Spanish one.

"This is a situation where the European Union has treated an incursion or attack on the territory of an EU member state as a European problem, not just a Spanish one," Božinović explained, emphasizing Croatia's consistent policy. He stressed that regardless of migrants' motives, smugglers often facilitate their journeys for profit or to help them reach Europe. However, he cautioned that Europe, and particularly Croatia with its extensive EU external border, cannot accommodate everyone wishing to live there.

"What has been clear to us from the beginning and what we have advocated for – this is becoming European policy. 22 member states wanted to send a message that no one except EU countries can decide who will come, who will live in the EU, and least of all smugglers," Božinović stated. He noted that smugglers are adept at interpreting political and judicial decisions, quickly spreading information among migrants to fuel further waves. Croatia, he added, is actively combating this by arresting smugglers, reporting 645 arrests this year and 1076 last year, demonstrating its commitment to border security.

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What has been clear to us from the beginning and what we have advocated for – this is becoming European policy. 22 member states wanted to send a message that no one except EU countries can decide who will come, who will live in the EU, and least of all smugglers.