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European leaders react to migrant situation in Ceuta
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ธ Serbia /Conflict & Security

European leaders react to migrant situation in Ceuta

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • European leaders have reacted to the influx of approximately 60,000 migrants into Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the situation "unacceptable" and vowed to break up smuggling networks.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported Spain's efforts to control its borders, emphasizing the need for EU border protection.

European leaders have voiced strong reactions to the unprecedented arrival of around 60,000 migrants in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta over a 24-hour period, having crossed from Morocco.

Images that are coming from Ceuta are unacceptable.

โ€” Ursula von der LeyenDescribing the situation in the Spanish enclave.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the situation as "unacceptable," stating that images emerging from Ceuta were deeply concerning. She emphasized the need to stop dangerous border crossings and dismantle smuggling networks. "We cannot allow anyone to reach our Union without respecting our rules," von der Leyen declared, adding that migrant returns must be swift and compliant with EU regulations. She has engaged European Commissioners for Migration and the Mediterranean to help manage migration flows, expressing confidence that close partnership with Morocco will yield concrete results.

Dangerous crossings must stop and the smuggling networks must be broken up.

โ€” Ursula von der LeyenStating the need for action against illegal migration and trafficking.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly backed Spain's actions to curb illegal migration into Ceuta. He stressed the critical importance of protecting the EU's external borders. "I support Spain's intention not to allow illegal migrants into the European continent," Merz stated on social media. "The EU's return directive must now be implemented without delay." He indicated that Commissioner Magnus Brunner is already working with Spain and is prepared to offer additional operational support, potentially through Frontex.

We cannot allow anyone to reach our Union without respecting our rules.

โ€” Ursula von der LeyenEmphasizing adherence to EU regulations for entry.

However, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiลก sharply criticized the Spanish government, blaming it for the crisis. He accused Spain of adopting a "scandalous" policy, drawing parallels to Germany's handling of the 2015 migrant crisis under Angela Merkel. Babiลก argued that Spain's alleged policy of legalizing the status of irregular migrants is unacceptable and called for Spain's immediate suspension from the Schengen area.

The return of migrants must be swift and in accordance with our rules.

โ€” Ursula von der LeyenOutlining the process for dealing with arrivals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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