Stronger EU borders needed after Ceuta crisis, von der Leyen says

Lead

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for stronger European borders and "swift returns" of migrants after tens of thousands of people entered the Spanish territory of Ceuta, a crisis that prompted emergency talks among EU interior ministers and exposed divisions within the bloc.

In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen said the incident made clear that "we must do more to further strengthen our borders at critical points, including vigilant monitoring and the use of physical barriers where needed." She praised Sánchez's swift handling of the crisis, writing that "order has been restored and the returns system in place worked."

As reported by TASS, von der Leyen also wrote on social media platform X: "Returns must be swift, as our rules allow. The images coming from Ceuta are unacceptable. We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules." She demanded that "dangerous crossings must stop immediately" and that "smuggling networks must be dismantled."

Coverage Comparison

The scale of the migrant surge into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, varies across the reports. The Jerusalem Post reported that about 72,000 migrants entered the territory last week. The Guardian reported that more than 70,000 people "swam or waded into the tiny Spanish enclave" from neighboring Morocco, while another Guardian report said Spain estimates about 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco over the past four days. TASS, citing estimates from the Spanish Interior Ministry, reported that up to 49,000 migrants may have entered Ceuta over a 24-hour period.

The death toll also differs in the reports. The Guardian reported at least 88 people died trying to reach the territory, with some drowning and others trampled in the crush. The Jerusalem Post reported about 75 migrants died, with many drowning and others crushed in the chaos. TASS reported at least 28 deaths.

Regarding returns, one Guardian report quoted Andy Burnham, the UK prime minister, saying he had been assured by Sánchez that approximately 98% of the estimated 50,000 people who entered Ceuta had been returned to Morocco. Spain estimates about 69,500 migrants have returned over four days, according to the same report.

Key Claims

• EU response: EU interior ministers called for tougher action against migrant smuggling networks and stronger returns policies after the mass entry, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. They also urged closer cooperation with non-EU countries and discussed monitoring social media to prevent future surges.

• Attribution of cause: European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner alleged that the crisis was fueled by criminal smuggling networks and disinformation on social media, according to the Jerusalem Post. He declined to comment on Morocco's role, citing an ongoing investigation in Spain, but praised Rabat's cooperation on returns.

• Von der Leyen's directives: Von der Leyen tasked European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica with addressing the situation, including pressing Moroccan authorities to halt the migrant flow, as reported by TASS.

• Border circumstances: The exact circumstances in which the heavily securitised border came to be open remain unclear, as reported by The Guardian. The same report noted that social media "hyped a distorted version of events" and that far-right parties weaponised the story.

• UK context: Andy Burnham pledged to be "relentless" in tackling small boat crossings and stressed the need for "safe routes" for refugees, according to The Guardian. He said the UK had to "deal with the issue rather than play politics with the issue" and noted progress was being made but "we're not complacent."

Perspectives

European Commission: Ursula von der Leyen called for strengthened borders, "swift returns," and dismantling smuggling networks. She praised Spain's handling of the crisis and said the returns system "worked."

Spain (Pedro Sánchez): Sánchez faced accusations from EU allies but was praised by von der Leyen for swift handling. He protested the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" response of some EU leaders, according to The Guardian.

Italy and Denmark: These countries jointly led accusations that Madrid failed to secure the EU's only land border with Africa, as reported by The Guardian. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote to the EU demanding emergency talks on tightening external borders.

UK (Andy Burnham): The UK prime minister pledged to be "relentless" in tackling small boat crossings and emphasised the need for safe routes, while acknowledging the broader issue of the Schengen area and the UK's relationship with it.