Key facts
- Images of migrants crossing into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta have fueled support for far-right parties in Europe.
- EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that despite a decline in irregular arrivals, visuals from Ceuta overshadow successes.
- Spain estimates 12,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, a tiny territory.
- Brunner defended the European Commission's talks with Taliban officials to return Afghans convicted of crimes.
- Rights groups criticized the talks, citing legitimacy to the Taliban and risk to Afghans.
Images of migrants crossing into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta have fueled support for far-right parties across Europe, despite a sharp decline in overall irregular arrivals, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said on Friday. Brunner stated that the visuals overshadow actual successes in migration policy and emphasized the need for swift returns to demonstrate control.
More than 72,000 people surged into Ceuta from Morocco at the end of July, though most have since departed. Spain estimates that approximately 12,000 migrants, including minors, remain in the small territory. Brunner noted that these images "fuel the far right," underscoring the importance of returning individuals promptly to show control.
Discussions regarding Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for an emergency framework to prevent "engineered and weaponised" mass migrant movements are scheduled for the next EU Council meeting. However, Brunner stressed the immediate need to implement existing agreed-upon systems.
Anti-immigration sentiment has been a significant political force in Europe since over a million people, many fleeing war in Syria, arrived in 2015. This influx has bolstered nationalist and far-right parties and prompted many governments to adopt stricter migration policies focused on deterrence and returns.
Brunner also defended the European Commission's facilitation of talks between EU member states and Taliban officials, aimed at returning Afghans convicted of crimes in Europe. This move drew criticism from rights groups, who argued it lent legitimacy to the Taliban, endangered Afghans, and undermined EU values. When questioned about ensuring the safety of deportees, Brunner emphasized European security and the safety of European citizens.