Ceuta crisis 'responsibility of all EU' - Spanish king

Spanish King Felipe VI emphasized on a gala dinner that the responsibility for the migrant crisis in Ceuta lies with all European Union countries. He expressed deep concern over the situation, describing it as unacceptable and calling for a reinforcement of cooperation between member states. The crisis, which saw tens of thousands of migrants arriving in the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, posed significant security, public order, and humanitarian challenges.

King Felipe VI stressed that the countries most affected by external border pressures cannot bear this responsibility alone. The speech was made during a dinner attended by Spain's Socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, a strong advocate for the benefits of migration. However, Sanchez has proposed changes to asylum rules, which could potentially lead to the quicker return of migrants, a move that NGOs and lawyers argue would violate human rights conventions.

While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Spain's swift response in returning most migrants to Morocco, other leaders, like Italy, showed less understanding and even suspended the Schengen border-free arrangements with Spain. In response to the crisis, European Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner proposed a plan to strengthen EU border controls.

This plan involves enhancing the mandate of Frontex, the EU's border protection agency, and creating a standing corps for immediate deployment, a proposal that requires the approval of member states.