European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that no migrants who arrived illegally in the Ceuta Spanish enclave reached mainland Spain or the rest of the European Union. She noted that the vast majority of those who arrived in Ceuta have returned to Morocco.
The European Commission President held a conference call with EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner and EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean and Demography Dubravka Šuica to discuss the situation in Ceuta.
On the social media platform X, von der Leyen attributed the return of migrants to the work of Spanish and Moroccan law enforcement. She stated that the situation demonstrates the importance of European border control and noted that while a strong system is in place, it needs further strengthening.
At least 67 people reported dead by Spain's Interior Ministry during the attempt to reach Spain.
Response and coordination
Leaders of 22 of the 27 EU member states have demanded an emergency video meeting of the bloc's interior ministers to agree on a coordinated response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission offered support to Spain from the first moment and emphasized that fighting illegal migration requires solidarity and a united European response. She also called for a 'lessons learned process' to improve European resilience.
Border situation in Ceuta
Around 60,000 irregular migrants entered the Ceuta enclave in North Africa.
Spain's interior ministry stated that nearly all of the 60,000 migrants who breached the border since Wednesday had left Ceuta, bringing the situation nearly back to normal.
According to Spain's Interior Ministry, nearly 70,000 migrants who entered Ceuta from Morocco have already returned. This figure conflicts with the earlier estimate of 60,000 migrants entering the enclave.