The ongoing crisis in Ceuta reached the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, igniting a heated discussion focused on the European Union's migration policies and the hybrid attacks from third countries. Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Immigration and Home Affairs, proudly highlighted the strides made to strengthen the EU's borders, yet he acknowledged the pressing need to intensify efforts. He remarked, "This was a stress test for our Union, our system, and our resilience," in reference to the mass influx of migrants that occurred at the end of July. Brunner announced his plans to travel to Madrid to meet with the ministers of Territorial Policy, Interior, and Social Security and Migration, emphasizing that urgent solutions must be found. His priority, he stated, is clear: all individuals who entered the country illegally and have no right to remain must be swiftly returned to Morocco.
The discussion in the European Parliament highlighted Morocco's crucial role, as opinions were sharply divided between those who blamed Rabat for the crisis and those who appreciated its cooperation since the onset of the situation. Dolors Montserrat, the spokesperson for the Popular Party in Brussels, was among the most critical voices, asserting that Morocco bears responsibility, whether by action or inaction. She further expressed her discontent with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, accusing him of complicity for going on vacation amid the turmoil. The resolution proposed by the Popular Party calls for Moroccan authorities to take responsibility as a key partner of the European Union and to fulfill their commitments regarding border management, return, and migration cooperation. Conversely, the text presented by the socialists emphasizes the importance of maintaining solid, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationships with third countries, while expressing gratitude for Morocco's collaboration.
Iratxe García Pérez, the president of the European Socialists, urged for greater solidarity not only from community institutions but also from other member states. She stressed that European solidarity should not depend on who is in power or which country is facing the crisis. García Pérez referred to previous hybrid attacks where immigration was used by third countries as a threat to the European Union. She pointed out that Europe stood in solidarity with Poland and Lithuania against the migration manipulation by the Lukashenko regime, questioning what lessons Giorgia Meloni could impart following the events on the island of Lampedusa.
Vox took a more radical stance, with Jorge Buxadé advocating for the suspension of the association agreement with Morocco and all international agreements, except for those regarding the return and expulsion of Moroccan nationals. He also called for halting all pending payments to Morocco, as well as the issuance of entry visas for Moroccan nationals and the granting of residency permits.
Estrella Galán, a Sumar MEP, was particularly critical of European policy, accusing the EU of cooperating with countries that violate human rights. She stated, "This crisis demonstrates that when Europe externalizes its borders, it compromises its sovereignty and makes us more vulnerable. When the keys are handed over to countries that do not respect human rights and are not democratic, human beings end up being used as ammunition and leverage." Galán called for expedited transfers to prevent Ceuta from becoming an open refugee camp.
This Thursday, the European Parliament will vote on a resolution that will encapsulate its political stance. The goal following yesterday's debate is to reach a consensus despite the apparent divisions. Sources from the Popular Party indicate they would be satisfied with a text that the socialists could endorse. However, García Pérez dismissed the possibility of consensus if the resolution includes mentions of regularizing immigrants. The European Commission has ruled out any connection between the regularization approved by the government and the crisis in Ceuta, although the Popular Party's text recalls a letter from European leaders that mentioned this measure.
Oihane Agirregoitia, a PNV MEP, revealed that Morocco had sent an email to several parliamentarians attempting to influence the debate. In the document, which La Vanguardia accessed, Rabat commits to readmitting "all affected individuals, including Moroccan citizens, unaccompanied minors, and nationals from third countries." The email reiterates Morocco's cooperation with the EU and Spain, emphasizing that "the Spanish government has publicly stated that the information it possessed did not allow attributing responsibility for these events to Morocco."
As reported by lavanguardia.com.
