Twenty-two European countries have moved to demand tighter EU border controls following an irregular migration influx from Morocco to the Spanish-governed city of Ceuta.
The letter, signed by Italy, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Czechia, Poland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Sweden, Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration, Malta, and Austria, was sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The letter emphasized that uncontrolled mass crossings must not be allowed and that the impression that irregular entry into the EU is possible should not be created. Noting that the latest developments require a swift and coordinated response, it welcomed the cooperation between Spain and Morocco to ensure the rapid return of irregular migrants and expressed hope that the situation would be brought fully under control with EU support.
The countries also called for a meeting of EU member states' interior ministers to discuss possible steps in combating irregular migration.
Meanwhile, irregular migration attempts toward Ceuta have intensified in recent days in the northern Moroccan city of Fnideq. Moroccan security forces have increased their measures along the border, blocking crowds attempting to approach the barbed wire. According to observations by an AA correspondent, tensions occasionally flare between security forces and groups trying to cross illegally. Some individuals have set fire to vehicles near the border crossing, while security forces have removed large numbers of people from the area. Moroccan authorities have not issued a detailed statement regarding the irregular migration movements.
According to Spanish security sources, approximately 69,500 irregular migrants who crossed from Morocco to Ceuta have returned to Moroccan territory, and the death toll during the incidents has risen to 67.
Ceuta and Melilla are located on the northern coast of Morocco and are under Spanish administration. The Rabat administration demands the return of these two cities.
