EU Calls for Stronger Borders After Migrant Crisis in Ceuta, Ursula von der Leyen: We Must Do More

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for “joint action” to strengthen border security following the chaotic entry of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week.

According to Spanish authorities, around 69,500 migrants have already been returned to Morocco, a figure higher than the initial estimate of 50,000 people.

Meanwhile, the official death toll stands at 72 on the Spanish side of the border and 11 on the Moroccan side.

To discuss the situation, the interior ministers of European Union countries will hold an emergency videoconference meeting on Tuesday.

The events in Ceuta have also caused tensions among some of the EU’s 27 member states.

In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, von der Leyen praised the Spanish government’s swift response to the crisis.

“This incident clearly shows that we need to do more to strengthen our borders at the most critical points,” she stressed.

In response to the influx of migrants in Ceuta, Italy temporarily suspended the implementation of Schengen Area rules in relation to Spain.

The Schengen Agreement eliminates border controls between participating countries and currently covers more than 450 million residents in 29 European states.