Migrants won't move onward: European Commission reassures EU amid Ceuta crisis
Photo: Tens of thousands of migrants breach the Morocco–Spain border (Getty Images)
The situation in Ceuta is "unacceptable," but migrants will not be allowed to move onward into other European Union countries, according to Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Migration, on Twitter (X).
He described the situation as "unacceptable" and said he was in "close contact" with the Spanish authorities. Brunner also stressed that, due to Ceuta's special status, there is no onward route from the enclave into Europe.
Brunner reiterated that there would be no onward movement to mainland Europe or other EU member states. He noted that the Schengen Borders Code contains special provisions applicable to Ceuta and Melilla, and that checks on people leaving the two enclaves remain in place.
He also welcomed the "close cooperation between Spain and Morocco" to manage the situation and ensure the swift return of migrants.
Brunner added that the European Commission would continue working with the Spanish authorities to make effective use of the tools available under the EU's new migration and asylum rules, while also providing additional support at the EU level, including through its agencies.
Migration crisis in Ceuta
Ceuta, Spain's autonomous enclave in North Africa, is experiencing its largest migration crisis in years.
Over the past 24 hours, as many as 50,000 migrants may have entered the enclave illegally, including around 7,000 children and teenagers. To regain control of the situation and maintain public order, Spanish authorities have deployed the military.
Amid the sharp escalation of the migration crisis in Ceuta, leaders of several European countries have called for Spain's participation in the Schengen Area to be temporarily suspended.
