Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for further strengthening of security at the European Union’s (EU) external borders after a large number of migrants crossed into the Spanish region of Ceuta last week. She said the incident highlighted the need for a coordinated European response to tackle irregular migration. In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, von der Leyen praised Madrid’s handling of the crisis, but also said the incidents exposed the weaknesses at the EU’s external borders.
Emphasis on strict border security
“This incident makes it clear that we need to take further steps to strengthen our borders in key locations,” he wrote. He added that “the security of all our external borders is a shared European responsibility,” and called for “vigilant monitoring and, if necessary, the use of physical barriers.” This appeal came after thousands of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, one of the largest surges of migration at the EU’s southern border.
EU alert as large numbers of migrants arrive
Spanish authorities estimate that around 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco since then, far exceeding the earlier estimate of 50,000 people returning. Officials said 72 people died on the Spanish side of the border, while 11 deaths were reported on the Moroccan side. EU interior ministers will hold an emergency meeting via video conference on Tuesday to discuss the crisis and its impact on the bloc’s migration policy. Von der Leyen said the meeting would provide an opportunity to learn “lessons” from the Ceuta crossing.
Strong border controls needed
He warned that tackling the challenge of irregular migration requires a “common European response, united action and solidarity.” He urged EU member states to “emphasize” five priorities: preventing irregular migration through better cooperation with partner countries, strengthening external borders, improving early warning systems, dismantling migrant smuggling networks, and accelerating the return of people who do not have a legal right to stay in the bloc.
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