EU ministers seek tougher migration response after Ceuta influx
EU Ministers Address Migration Surge and Policy Responses
By Amina Ismail
BRUSSELS, Aug 4 (Reuters) - EU interior ministers on Tuesday called for tougher action against migrant smuggling networks and stronger returns policies after about 72,000 migrants entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta last week, triggering alarm across the bloc.
The ministers also urged closer cooperation with countries outside the European Union to curb irregular migration and prevent a repeat of the surge, which began on Thursday at one of the bloc's two land borders with Africa, both shared with Morocco.
About 75 migrants died attempting the crossing, with many drowning and others crushed in the chaos.
Causes and Immediate Reactions
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner told a news conference after an emergency meeting of EU justice and home affairs ministers that the influx had been fuelled by criminal smuggling networks and disinformation on social media.
He declined to say whether Morocco bore any responsibility, but praised Rabat's cooperation with Spanish authorities on returns.
"There is an ongoing investigation of the matter (Morocco's role in the massive break) in Spain. So I ... can't actually comment on that any further but there was of course some disinformation by the smugglers and the human traffickers, that's what we know for sure," he said.
Range of Measures Discussed
RANGE OF MEASURES DISCUSSED
The ministers discussed a range of measures, including better intelligence-sharing, closer monitoring of social media to detect migration surges earlier, and stronger protection of the EU's external borders.
Some analysts have questioned whether Moroccan authorities turned a blind eye to the crossings, noting previous occasions when Rabat was accused of using migration as political leverage.
The last major surge occurred in May 2021, when Moroccan authorities appeared to relax border controls, a move widely interpreted as retaliation for Spain's hosting of a Western Sahara independence leader. The territory is disputed, with Morocco claiming sovereignty over it.
Brunner also said the EU was negotiating a strategic comprehensive partnership agreement with Morocco.
Morocco's Response and Ongoing Tensions
On Monday, Morocco rejected claims it was responsible for the surge, saying Spain should have foreseen the consequences of a court ruling that concluded that migrants who arrived by swimming could not be immediately deported if no barrier was in place.
Spain worked as fast as possible to install a maritime barrier off Ceuta's coast after the ruling, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Monday, adding that Spanish intelligence had given no indication of a mass crossing being planned.
"There are things that happen where there does not necessarily need to be someone responsible," Grande-Marlaska said.
EU's Broader Migration Strategy
The EU has increasingly relied on migration agreements with North African countries to curb irregular arrivals, but critics say the approach leaves the bloc vulnerable to pressure from transit countries that can ease, or threaten to ease, border controls in pursuit of political or economic concessions.
Many migrants have been fleeing poverty, conflict or instability and risking dangerous journeys in search of safety or better opportunities.
Conditions for Migrants in Ceuta
The migrants still left in Ceuta were seen sleeping on the beach and using its showers.
Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid Director-General Mauricio Valiente said Spain should be providing them with facilities where they can be accommodated with dignity and properly processed, including the opportunity to apply for asylum where relevant.
"If they think that by keeping people in poor conditions they will decide to return (home), we believe that is a bad decision and poor management," he said.
Spain's migration ministry did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Most migrants who crossed the border barrier found neither food nor shelter, and later returned to Morocco.
Calls for Tougher Measures from Member States
Nevertheless, Italy suspended passport-free Schengen travel arrangements with Spain for a month, even though they do not apply to Ceuta, while 22 of the EU's 27 member states urged coordinated action to strengthen the bloc's external borders.
Proposals from Denmark and Italy
CALLS FOR TOUGHER MEASURES
Denmark and Italy used the emergency talks to press for tougher migration measures, according to government statements.
Danish Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov called for increased EU funding for border security.
Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi urged the bloc to adopt "new hub models for the external processing of asylum procedures and for returns in safe third countries".
Greek Perspective on Asylum Policy
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote in a Politico opinion piece published on Tuesday that the EU should allow for the temporary suspension of asylum registrations during sudden mass arrivals.
(Reporting by Amina Ismail and Inti Landauro in Brussels, Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam, Terje Solsvik in Oslo, Crispian Balmer in Rome, Edward McAllister in Athens, Victoria Waldersee and Corina Pons in Madrid; Writing by Amina Ismail and Charlie Devereux; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Mark Potter and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
