European Parliament Calls for Enhanced Cooperation on Migrant Returns
On Thursday, the European Parliament made a significant call to action, urging both Spain and Morocco to bolster their cooperation regarding the return of migrants who arrived in Ceuta during the large influx that occurred at the end of July. The Parliament condemned these illegal mass entries into the city, stressing the need for improved protection of the European Union's external borders and underscoring the importance of respecting the territorial integrity of its member states.
The resolution, which was backed by the right-wing factions and supported by far-right groups, demanded that Spain and Morocco expedite the return of foreigners who crossed into Ceuta in July. It strongly criticized the illegal and massive border crossings from Morocco, whether by land or sea, and denounced the use of clandestine migration as a form of hybrid warfare against a member state. Adopted with a vote of 339 in favor and 225 against, with 16 abstentions, the resolution reflects a significant political stance on the issue.
In emphasizing the urgency of strengthening the external borders of the EU, the document highlighted that Ceuta and Melilla are both Spanish and European territories, and their sovereignty must not be questioned. The Parliament criticized the Spanish government for its large-scale regularization policies, arguing that such measures could act as a pull factor, inadvertently encouraging potential migrants and human smuggling networks.
Additionally, the Parliament urged the European Commission to assess the impact of national mechanisms on secondary movements and the functioning of the Schengen Area. It reiterated that the responsibility of protecting external borders is a shared duty among member states, and any failure to act jeopardizes the integrity of the Schengen space. All countries are expected to fully undertake their roles in preventing and combatting human trafficking.
The relations between the EU and neighboring third countries should be based on reciprocity, with preferential market access and funding contingent upon effective cooperation, particularly in border management, anti-trafficking efforts, and migrant readmission. This resolution marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding migration and border security within the European Union.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
