Ceuta: EU calls borders a 'shared European responsibility'
The European Commission has offered Morocco more support at the border to Ceuta and Melilla, and called for "united action" from the bloc on border security. Its interior ministers will discuss the issue on Tuesday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to work together on border security, suggesting the European Union may provide additional help to Morocco. This call for unity followed a sudden influx of migrants attempting to breach Spain's border with the North African enclave of Ceuta last week, leading to friction among EU members.
EU interior ministers are set to hold an emergency video conference on Tuesday to discuss potential responses. Von der Leyen emphasized the shared European responsibility to protect external borders and called for vigilant monitoring and use of physical barriers where needed. She also expressed hope for enhanced cooperation with and assistance for Morocco, considering it an important strategic partner in combating migrant smuggling and illegal migration.
The EU has recently tightened its migration rules, aiming to reduce irregular migration into the bloc. However, no return hubs for failed asylum seekers have been established yet. Migration expert Gerald Knaus believes the recent events in Ceuta were not based on structural issues, but rather fueled by misinformation and false rumors.
He emphasized the need for a clear message from the EU to prevent dangerous sea crossings and suggested that enforcing existing rules could significantly reduce such incidents.
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