European Parliament Urges Spain and Morocco to Expedite Migrant Expulsions

The European Parliament has recently passed a non-binding resolution that strongly condemns the large-scale illegal border crossings from Morocco into Ceuta, an enclave of Spain. This resolution demands that both Spain and Morocco enhance their cooperation to expedite the expulsion of migrants who entered Ceuta in July without the legal right to remain in Europe. During a vote held on Thursday, the resolution received considerable support from right-wing and far-right political factions, highlighting the growing urgency surrounding the migrant situation in the region.

As reported, the Spanish authorities have reportedly returned the majority of the 60,000 migrants who crossed the border illegally back to Morocco. The resolution emphasizes the need for swift action against the irregular migration that has been characterized as a hybrid warfare tactic against the territorial integrity of an EU member state. The resolution further calls for both countries to strengthen their collaboration in returning all irregular migrants who arrived in Ceuta by the end of July.

The resolution, which was put forth by the European People's Party (EPP) and passed with 339 votes in favor, 225 against, and 16 abstentions, has drawn criticism from leftist groups. The situation escalated following the influx of thousands of migrants in late July, which has sparked an increase in right-wing rhetoric against the Spanish government's handling of the crisis. Local communities in Ceuta are facing increasing tensions, with local protests calling for a return to normalcy amidst the unrest.

The rapid expulsion of migrants from Ceuta, a small Spanish territory in North Africa, has become a focal point of political contention, particularly for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as elections approach in Spain. While a significant number of migrants were sent back shortly after their arrival, many remain in Ceuta, leading to deteriorating conditions and instances of violence. The European Parliament's resolution criticizes what it describes as mass regularizations of irregular migrants by the Spanish government, asserting that uncontrolled border crossings should never imply a pathway to legal residency in the EU.

As reported by noovo.info.