EU Calls For Stronger Borders After Ceuta Migrant Crossings

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for “united action” on border security after the chaotic influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta last week.

In her letter to the Spanish Prime Minister, von der Leyen warned that “the protection of all EU external borders is a shared responsibility”, while calling for “vigilant monitoring and the use of physical barriers where needed”.

She said that the latest incident is a clear indication that they must do more to further strengthen the borders at critical points.

She urged the EU to “double down” in five areas including preventing irregular migration; strengthening external borders; implementing early warning systems; dismantling smuggling networks and reinforcing returns.

Spain ⁠estimates that about 69,500 migrants have now returned to Morocco, exceeding initial estimates of 50,000.

The official death toll on the Spanish side of the border stands at 72, with 11 deaths on the Moroccan side.