EU calls for stronger borders after Ceuta migrant crossings

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is urging collective action on border security following the massive influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the Mediterranean. Spain reports that around 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco, surpassing initial estimates of 50,000. The death toll on the Spanish side stands at 72, while 11 deaths have been reported in Morocco.

EU interior ministers are currently engaging in emergency video conference discussions to address the situation. The events in Ceuta have strained relations among some EU member states. In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen commended his rapid response but emphasized the need for enhanced border security measures.

Italy temporarily halted the Schengen agreement with Spain, while Finland and Denmark supported this move. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš called for a temporary suspension of Spain's Schengen membership. Sánchez expressed serious concerns about certain European governments, accusing them of attacking Spain due to prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interests.

Von der Leyen warned that safeguarding external borders is a shared European responsibility and called for vigilant monitoring and the use of physical barriers if necessary. The video conference on Tuesday aims to draw lessons from the Ceuta incident, stressing the need for a united European response to illegal immigration challenges.