EU calls for stronger borders after Ceuta migrant crossings
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for increased border security following a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. The incident has caused diplomatic friction within the EU, leading to emergency talks and temporary border policy shifts among member states.
Why it matters
The crisis highlights ongoing tensions regarding migration policy and the integrity of the Schengen Area, testing the unity of the European Union.
Figure caption, Watch: Migrants started to return to Morocco after thousands entered Spain's Ceuta on 30 July
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for "united action" on border security after the chaotic influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta last week.
Spain estimates that about 69,500 migrants have now returned to Morocco, exceeding initial estimates of 50,000. The official death toll on the Spanish side of the border stands at 72, with 11 deaths on the Moroccan side.
On Tuesday, EU interior ministers will have emergency talks by video conference to discuss the issue.
The scenes in Ceuta have strained relations among some of the EU's 27 member states.
In a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen praised his "swift handling" of the crisis.
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