Stronger EU borders needed after Ceuta crisis, von der Leyen says
Summary
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, urged stronger border controls after tens of thousands of migrants arrived in the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco. Spain has returned most migrants, and EU ministers will meet to discuss improving border management and migration policies.Key Facts
- Around 69,500 migrants arrived in Ceuta in a short period and most have been sent back to Morocco.
- Spain started building a 500-metre floating barrier at the border with Morocco to improve security.
- At least 99 deaths were reported linked to the crossings, including 88 trying to enter Ceuta and 11 in Morocco.
- Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories in Africa and hold the EU's only land border with Africa, but they are outside the Schengen zone.
- EU interior ministers will hold emergency talks to learn from the Ceuta events and discuss migration policies.
- Von der Leyen outlined five focus areas: better cooperation with non-EU countries, stronger borders, early warning systems, dismantling smuggling, and returning migrants without legal status.
- Some EU governments, including Italy and Denmark, criticized Spain’s migrant regularization policy and pushed for stricter rules and border enforcement.
- Spain has not requested support from the EU border agency Frontex, but the EU offers funds and assistance to Spain.
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