EU calls for stronger borders after Ceuta migrant crossings

Mon Sep 14 2026 14:12:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

EU urges united action after 70,000 migrants flood Ceuta, calling for stronger borders and coordination.

The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has called for a unified response to the chaotic influx of more than 70,000 migrants into Spain’s North‑African exclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spain reports about 69,500 of the arrivals have now returned home, with 72 deaths on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side. In reaction, EU interior ministers are holding emergency video‑conference talks and Italy temporarily suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain to tighten border checks. The event has strained relations among EU member states and sparked debate over physical barriers and early‑warning systems. Germany, Italy, Finland, Denmark and Czechia are backing tighter controls while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemns external criticisms and highlights that Ceuta is outside the Schengen area.

EU calls for stronger borders after Ceuta migrant crossings

Ursula von der Leyen has demanded a coordinated "united action" on border security following the chaotic arrival of more than 70,000 migrants in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta from Morocco this week.

Spain reports that around 69,500 migrants have now returned to Morocco, exceeding initial estimates. The official death toll stands at 72 on the Spanish side and 11 on the Moroccan side.

EU interior ministers are holding emergency talks by video conference to draw lessons from the Ceuta episode, calling for stronger borders, early‑warning systems, and the dismantling of smuggling networks.

The situation has strained relations among some of the EU’s 27 member states. Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen arrangement with Spain; Finland, Denmark and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš also urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership.

'However, Spain has shown swift handling' U. von der Leyen praised Pedro Sánchez in a letter, while also stressing that the crisis highlights the need for a common European response, united action and solidarity.

Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande‑Marlaska, says the situation has almost returned to normal and is working on an inflatable barrier to prevent illegal migration via the water.

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