European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a statement Friday calling for an immediate end to dangerous border crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, the dismantling of human smuggling networks, and rapid returns of those not entitled to stay, according to her remarks. She said the images from Ceuta are 'unacceptable' and that entry into the EU must comply with its rules.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday issued a detailed statement on the ongoing migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, calling for a series of concrete measures. She said the images from Ceuta are 'unacceptable' and stressed that no one may enter the European Union without complying with its laws. Von der Leyen specifically demanded an immediate end to dangerous border crossings, the dismantling of human smuggling networks, and rapid returns of those not entitled to stay. The statement expands on her earlier remarks reported by The Zioneer at 14:42, in which she called the images unacceptable. The new language adds operational demands.
The Ceuta enclave has been under severe pressure for days. As The Zioneer reported earlier Friday, Spain's Interior Ministry estimated that 49,000 migrants entered Ceuta in a single 24-hour period, overwhelming local infrastructure. A court ruling blocked immediate returns of migrants who reach Spanish territory by sea, further complicating Madrid's response. Local officials have warned of 'chaos' as reception centers operate at thousands of percent over capacity. The current surge follows a period of heightened tension, with at least 18 migrant deaths reported during attempted crossings earlier this week.
Von der Leyen's statement signals growing concern at the EU level over the crisis at the bloc's southern border. The European Commission has not yet announced specific EU-level measures, but the president's call for dismantling smuggling networks and conducting rapid returns aligns with existing EU migration policy frameworks. The response from Spanish and Moroccan authorities to her demands remains unclear.
2 developments
- DevelopingDenmark's PM says EU should consider suspending Spain from Schengen over Ceuta crisis
- StrongVon der Leyen says settlement expansion 'unacceptable,' violence 'abhorrent'
- DevelopingAbu Ali Express: European media, political circles increasingly call for isolating Spain over Ceuta crisis
- DevelopingVon der Leyen declares Europe facing a housing crisis
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