Morocco has officially pledged to reaccept all migrants who entered Ceuta in late July during a significant surge that saw approximately 80,000 individuals crossing irregularly from its territory. This commitment was outlined in a letter sent to various Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and was made public on Tuesday. The letter emphasizes the exceptional nature, scale, and complexity of this unfortunate situation, stating that Morocco will accept all affected individuals, including Moroccan nationals, unaccompanied minors, and citizens of third countries.
The Moroccan authorities dispatched this letter ahead of a debate in the European Parliament regarding the recent hybrid attacks and the instrumentalization of migrants in Ceuta. This discussion highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated response to protect the EU's external borders. In the correspondence, Morocco expressed its determination to investigate "the causes and actors behind this situation," including examining the role of misinformation on social media and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals by human trafficking gangs.
Rabat Stresses Compliance with Spain and the EU
In its letter, Rabat reiterated that the Spanish government has publicly stated that available information does not support claims that Morocco was behind the massive influx of migrants. Furthermore, Spain recognized the rapid and active cooperation from Morocco in facilitating the return of the majority of migrants. Moroccan officials argued that managing the arrival of tens of thousands of people in a short period cannot be handled through lethal force. They asserted that Morocco has consistently fulfilled its commitments to both Spain and the European Union. In collaboration with its European partners, Moroccan authorities have thwarted over 75,000 attempts at irregular crossings each year, totaling 227,000 thwarted attempts between 2023 and 2025. Additionally, they dismantled more than 1,050 networks related to migrant smuggling and human trafficking during the same period.
The letter also poses several questions to the MEPs, such as, "What possible interest could Morocco have in creating a significant crisis with Spain and the EU, especially at a time when the EU is Morocco's primary partner and relations between Morocco and the EU are becoming stronger and more consolidated?" It further questions the logic behind Morocco deliberately instigating a migration crisis on the Throne Day, a symbolic occasion celebrating the nation's achievements as a kingdom.
During the Tuesday session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a heated exchange occurred between the major political factions regarding Ceuta. The massive influx of migrants into the autonomous city on July 30 and 31 has placed Spain at the heart of a migration debate that raises concerns and polarizes opinions across nearly all EU member states. Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, described the events in Ceuta as a true stress test for the Union, emphasizing that the current priority must be the return of those who entered irregularly and are still in Ceuta. According to the Commissioner, "Morocco has committed to accepting them back." This session precedes a scheduled vote on Thursday concerning a resolution being negotiated in the Europarliament, where the Popular Party seeks to hold Morocco accountable for border management, while the Social Democratic group advocates for dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation with Morocco.
As reported by rtve.es.
