EU calls for ‘united action’ on border security after Ceuta incident
The unprecedented arrival of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta—a Spanish territory in North Africa—last Thursday and Friday has sparked tension between Spain and European partners critical of its immigration policy. Italy and subsequently Denmark have immediately called for Spain's suspension from the Schengen Area.
By Dinesh Giri, BARCELONA:- Following the chaos surrounding illegal migration last week in Ceuta—a Spanish territory bordering Morocco—European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged the European Union’s (EU) support to address the issue of illegal migration.
This crisis has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment among right-wing politicians in Europe and has also sparked diplomatic tensions between Spain and certain European Union member states—particularly Italy and Spain.
At Rome’s request, an emergency video conference of European Union interior ministers is scheduled to be held on August 3.
The arrival of 60,000 people from Morocco into the Spanish North African territory of Ceuta last week has sparked serious tension within the European Union (EU) regarding the issue of migration. Spain has convened a meeting of EU interior ministers, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
The unprecedented arrival of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta—a Spanish territory in North Africa—last Thursday and Friday has sparked tension between Spain and European partners critical of its immigration policy. Italy and subsequently Denmark have immediately called for Spain’s suspension from the Schengen Area.
This demand has infuriated Madrid and Prime Minister Sánchez, and a video conference of EU interior ministers is scheduled for Tuesday at Italy’s request.
Previously, at the behest of member states, the EU had been moving to toughen immigration laws through a new pact on migration and asylum; among other measures, this pact allowed member nations to send rejected asylum seekers to “return centers” located outside EU borders.
