Stronger EU borders needed after Ceuta crisis, von der Leyen says
European Commission president says work needed in five areas of migration control including returning more people
TL;DR
- Tens of thousands of people arrived in and quickly left the Spanish territory of Ceuta, leading to calls for stronger EU borders.
- European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for improved border management, including physical barriers and monitoring.
- The EU plans to focus on five areas: cooperation with non-EU countries, stronger external borders, early warning systems, dismantling smuggling networks, and boosting returns.
- The crisis exposed divisions among EU member states, with some blaming Spain's regularization of migrants and others defending its approach.
- Morocco is seen as a key strategic partner in combating illegal migration, with potential for enhanced cooperation.