EU interior ministers expressed support for Spain and strengthening border protection - media
Kyiv • UNN
EU interior ministers expressed full solidarity with Spain following the influx of migrants into Ceuta. Of the approximately 72,000 people who crossed the border, 70,000 have already been returned to Morocco.
Following the migration crisis in Ceuta, EU interior ministers held a videoconference during which member states assured Spain of their full support and made it clear that border protection must be strengthened, UNN reports, citing Bild.
"During the discussion, full solidarity with Spain was expressed," said European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner.
The influx into Ceuta was "a test for the security of Europe's external borders," and Europe "has undoubtedly passed" this test for the time being, Brunner said. No migrant entered mainland Spain from the exclave and, consequently, the Schengen Area.
"The EU is united and ready to support Spain and protect our external borders from illegal migration. We commend Spain for its swift response to the situation in Ceuta," said Ireland's Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jim O'Callaghan.
According to the Spanish government, of the approximately 72,000 people who crossed the border into Ceuta, 70,000 have already been returned to Morocco. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stressed that the remaining cases are currently being examined. Those who have no right to remain will also be sent back. Grande-Marlaska dismissed concerns that migrants would enter the Schengen Area: according to him, there were "neither secondary movements of people nor any possibility of that". Grande-Marlaska called the meeting of interior ministers "satisfactory", as Spain's measures against irregular migration received approval.
To add
The ministers agreed to step up the fight against smuggling networks, accelerate the return of migrants and better protect the EU's external borders. In addition, cooperation with countries of origin and transit of migrants is to be expanded. Early-warning systems are also to be improved, including through the analysis of social media, so that migration flows can be detected earlier.