European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has urged action to strengthen Europe's borders following a migration incident in the Spanish territory of Ceuta that sparked a row between Madrid and other European countries.
Key facts
- Ursula von der Leyen called for stronger EU borders, including physical barriers where needed.
- Tens of thousands of people arrived and quickly left the Spanish territory of Ceuta.
- The incident triggered a row between Madrid and other European countries.
- Von der Leyen made the call in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday.
- An urgent meeting of EU interior ministers was set to discuss the issue.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has called for action to strengthen Europe’s borders after tens of thousands of people arrived and quickly left the Spanish territory of Ceuta, according to the Guardian. The episode triggered what the outlet described as a furious row between Madrid and other European countries.
In a letter to Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, on Monday, von der Leyen said: “From this incident, it is clear that we must do more to further strengthen our borders at critical points, including vigilant monitoring and the use of physical barriers where needed.”
The Guardian reported that von der Leyen identified work as needed in five areas of migration control, including returning more people.
The BBC reported that von der Leyen made her call for action ahead of an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers convened to discuss the issue.
The developments follow the arrival and rapid departure of large numbers of people through Ceuta, a Spanish territory, which the sources say prompted tensions between Spain and other European nations.
Why it matters
Migration control remains a deeply contested issue across the European Union, and calls from the Commission's president for physical barriers signal a potential shift in policy. How EU member states respond could shape the bloc's approach to border management and relations between Spain and its European neighbours.
Frequently asked questions
What did Ursula von der Leyen call for?
According to the Guardian, she called for action to strengthen Europe's borders at critical points, including vigilant monitoring and the use of physical barriers where needed, and identified work needed in five areas of migration control including returning more people.
What happened in Ceuta?
According to the Guardian, tens of thousands of people arrived and quickly left the Spanish territory of Ceuta, triggering a row between Madrid and other European countries.
How was the EU responding?
The BBC reported that von der Leyen made her call ahead of an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers convened to discuss the issue.