European Commission President Commends Collaborative Efforts
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, expressed her approval on Monday regarding the management of the migration crisis in Ceuta by Moroccan and Spanish authorities. She described their response as "effective and efficient," particularly highlighting the swift return of irregular migrants who had entered the territory. In a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen emphasized that the cooperation between Rabat and Madrid has significantly curtailed the potential for migrants to illegally reach mainland Spain and other parts of Europe.
In light of the crisis, von der Leyen has called for heightened border protection in sensitive areas, noting that Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is prepared to enhance its presence in Ceuta and other EU border regions. She also acknowledged the additional measures adopted by the Spanish government to prevent further attempts at illegal entry.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
In her remarks, von der Leyen referred to Morocco as a "strategic and essential partner" in combating irregular migration and human trafficking networks. She announced that the European Union is working alongside Moroccan authorities to establish a more structured and future-oriented partnership. The President outlined five key action points: enhancing cooperation with EU partners to reduce irregular migration, securing external borders, implementing early warning systems, dismantling smuggling networks, and increasing return operations.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
