EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen has called for a coordinated European response to strengthen border security following the mass influx of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.
The appeal comes after thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta last week, triggering one of the most significant border crises in recent years and prompting emergency consultations among European Union member states.
Spanish authorities said about 69,500 migrants have since been returned to Morocco, exceeding earlier estimates of 50,000. Officials also reported that 72 people died on the Spanish side of the border, while 11 deaths were recorded in Morocco.
EU interior ministers are scheduled to hold an emergency video conference on Tuesday to discuss the situation and consider a coordinated response to the crisis.
In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen commended Spain’s handling of the emergency but stressed the need for stronger border protection across the bloc.
She said the events in Ceuta had highlighted the need for the European Union to reinforce security at vulnerable entry points.
“From this incident, it is clear that we must do more to further strengthen our borders at critical points,” she stated.
The migrant surge has also heightened tensions among the EU’s 27 member states. In response to the developments, Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen travel arrangement with Spain, underscoring growing concerns over migration management and border security within the European Union.
