European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, thanking him for his government's handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). Von der Leyen praised the deterrent measures taken by Spain, stating that 'both Spain and Morocco acted effectively to prevent the passage of migrants to mainland Spain and Europe.'
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday, thanking him for his government's handling of the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). In the letter, von der Leyen stated: "Both Spain and Morocco acted effectively to prevent the passage of migrants to mainland Spain and Europe. I welcome the deterrent measures taken by the Spanish government to prevent further illegal arrivals."
As The Zioneer reported on July 31, von der Leyen had previously called the situation in Ceuta "unacceptable" and stated that the EU would not admit migrants who fail to comply with its rules. The same week, 22 EU leaders—including those from Germany, Italy, and Denmark—signed a letter attacking Spain's immigration policy and signaling readiness to reintroduce border checks within the Schengen area. Italy and Denmark had also moved to suspend Schengen cooperation with Spain.
The crisis in Ceuta began in late July, when tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the enclave, overwhelming local infrastructure. Spanish authorities later reported that nearly all of the approximately 48,300 individuals who entered had been repatriated to Morocco. The letter from von der Leyen acknowledges the effectiveness of Spain's response, particularly the cooperation with Moroccan authorities.
2 developments
- StrongDenmark's PM calls for EU to consider suspending Schengen over Spain's migration crisis
- DevelopingSpanish PM: We will continue to support migrant integration
- DevelopingBen Gvir congratulates Spanish PM Sánchez on migration policy, urges Spain to grant asylum to Gaza residents
- StrongVon der Leyen: EU will not admit migrants who fail to comply with entry rules
Source and signal
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