Key facts
- Spain's government denies ignoring intelligence warnings about the Ceuta migrant surge.
- Thousands of migrants arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.
- An estimated 69,500 migrants have been returned to Morocco by Spain.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for stronger EU borders.
- Von der Leyen suggested the inclusion of physical barriers at EU borders.
- Increased support for Morocco was called for by von der Leyen.
- The migrant influx tested the EU's new Migration Pact.
- Far-right leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta.
- Abascal criticized the Spanish government's handling of the crisis.
- The crisis saw an influx of approximately 60,000 migrants.
Spain's government has refuted claims that it disregarded intelligence warnings concerning the recent surge in migrant arrivals in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The situation saw thousands of migrants enter Ceuta from Morocco, with an estimated 60,000 to 69,500 individuals having arrived. The influx has since subsided, with thousands of migrants returning to Morocco.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for the European Union to strengthen its external borders, suggesting the inclusion of physical barriers. She also emphasized the need for increased support for Morocco in managing migration flows. The large-scale arrival of migrants into Ceuta put the EU's new Migration Pact to the test.
Amidst the crisis, far-right leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta and voiced criticism regarding the Spanish government's management of the situation. Spain has been returning migrants to Morocco, with an estimated 69,500 having been sent back.