The intensification of irregular migration flows from Morocco to Spain's autonomous city of Ceuta has sparked widespread reaction within the European Union. 22 EU member states, including Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary and Greece, have sent a joint letter to Brussels calling for increased border security.
The letter, addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, was also signed by Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, Malta and Austria.
The letter stressed that uncontrolled mass crossings must not be allowed and that no perception should be created that entering the EU through irregular means is possible. It noted that recent developments require a swift and coordinated response, while welcoming the cooperation between Spain and Morocco to ensure the rapid return of migrants. It expressed hope that the current situation could be fully brought under control with EU support.
The 22 countries also called for an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers to discuss concrete steps that can be taken to combat irregular migration.
Meanwhile, irregular crossing attempts from the northern Moroccan city of Fnideq towards Ceuta have increased in recent days. Moroccan security forces have stepped up measures along the border, preventing crowds from approaching the barbed wire. According to observations by an Anadolu Agency reporter, tensions occasionally flare between security forces and groups attempting to cross illegally in the border area. Some individuals set vehicles on fire near the border crossing, and security forces removed many people from the area. Moroccan authorities have not issued a detailed statement regarding the irregular migration movements.
According to Spanish security sources, around 69,500 irregular migrants who had crossed from Morocco to Ceuta have returned to Moroccan territory. The death toll from the incidents has risen to 67.
Although Ceuta and Melilla are located on Morocco's northern coast, they are under Spanish administration. The Rabat government demands their return.
