EU Reiterates Demand for Migrant Returns from Ceuta
The European Union has once again urged Spain to ensure that all individuals who entered Ceuta illegally are returned to their home countries. According to government statistics, approximately 5,000 migrants remain from the 80,000 who arrived on July 30. This ongoing situation highlights the EU's insistence on the need for effective migration management and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Markus Lammert, a spokesperson for the EU, emphasized the responsibility of Spain to safeguard these vulnerable individuals while also discussing the Spanish government's plans to relocate 500 migrant girls to the mainland. He stated, "It is essential to guarantee the protection of vulnerable individuals. It is the duty of the nation, in this case, the Spanish authorities, to ensure this protection." The Commission is in constant communication with Spanish officials to gather further information about the proposed relocations.
Lammert reaffirmed that the EU law supports the return of minors who arrived in Ceuta, which has been estimated by the National Police to number over 2,000. He clarified that while discussions are ongoing, the EU is not yet in a position to confirm any decisions made by the Spanish government regarding these plans.
As part of the response to the crisis, the Commission is actively collaborating with both Spain and Morocco to facilitate the return of migrants in a manner that respects their rights. The government reported that around 80,000 people entered Ceuta by crossing the border from Morocco at the end of July, with many of them arriving by swimming. Currently, about 8,000 remain, including unaccompanied minors and asylum seekers.
On August 20, the Spanish authorities began relocating migrants from El Trampolín beach to designated temporary accommodation spaces that can host up to 1,800 individuals, highlighting the urgent need for humane and organized migration management.
As reported by lasexta.com.
