EU ministers backed Spain after the recent migration surge in Ceuta, rejecting calls to suspend Schengen but opening discussions on possible return hubs outside the bloc.
Following a varied exchange among European leaders, they met informally on Tuesday for more than three hours to find a common response to the only topic on the table: the migration crisis in Ceuta. The talks came after an unprecedented influx last week, when tens of thousands of people entered the city from Morocco in a single day.
According to the Commissioner for Migrations Magnus Brunner, the last few days have been a test “for European resilience” and the security of “external borders”. The test has been passed with success and the European solidarity appears to have been rediscovered.
Meanwhile, a permanent office for missing migrants who have made the crossing is being inaugurated in the Spanish exclave.
You might be interested
Lesson for all member states
According to the Council, the EU ministers, together with Frontex, Europol, and the European Asylum Agency, analyzed the operational measures implemented by the Spanish authorities. They also discussed possible forms of support from other member states. Particular attention has been paid to coordination between border police, information exchange, and rapid response capabilities in the event of new peaks in arrivals.
The Irish Presidency reported on recent exchanges with the Spanish government. It emphasised the need to constantly monitor the situation and ensure a common approach to security implications.
Overall, “a shared vision emerged on the need to continue relentlessly combating migrant smuggling, to step up returns, to strengthen the EU’s borders, to build strong partnerships with third countries, and to improve forecasting capacity”, according to the Council statement.
This vision is also shared by Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. “All the interventions by all states were constructive, acknowledging the work and prompt response of the Spanish authorities,” he explained.
Mr Marlaska confirmed that around 70,000 of the 72,000 people who entered Ceuta without authorisation had already returned. Madrid wants to deport or return the remaining people to Morocco. Mr Brunner said, citing information provided by Madrid, that 75 people had died while attempting to enter Spain.
Return hubs on the table
There was a lot of unity, but there were some differences among states. Some called for strengthening solidarity and technical support mechanisms, while others insisted on the need for an updated risk assessment. For Mr Brunner, Ceuta is a lesson for the every member state: the EU Pact for Migration and Asylum, which entered into force just over a month ago, must be fully implemented as soon as possible.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who had previously suggested suspending Schengen rules, mentioned that the creation of “hubs for the repatriation of illegal immigrants, that could be established on the African continent” would also be on the table of the informal meeting.
Regarding Schengen, Mr Brunner reassured the twenty two that “the area has not been affected” so there’s no need to close any EU borders. Furthermore, the Commissioner confirmed that discussions on return hubs had taken place. He defined them as “legitimate” within the context of the safe third country concept which is a part of the Return regulation. “Five or six member states are working together to discuss return hubs with third countries,” he explained.
More broadly, however, work on external border and migration management will continue on October 12 at the scheduled Home Affairs and Justice Council meeting.
