Ceuta crisis shows Europe’s borders must be protected

The EPP Group demands urgent action to address the security and migration crisis in Ceuta and protect Europe’s external borders. Thousands of people who entered Ceuta during the mass invasion on 30 and 31 July remain in the city.

"What happened in Ceuta was an unprecedented breach of Europe’s border. Pedro Sánchez failed to prevent it and has failed to take responsibility since. Europe cannot tolerate mass illegal entries or allow migration to be weaponised against its Member States," says Tomas Tobé MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group.

The situation continues to put severe pressure on security, public order and essential services. The EPP Group calls for control of the border to be restored and for those who have no right to stay to be returned.

"The Spanish Government knew what was happening and allowed it to happen. Sánchez’s Government was complicit and is responsible for the consequences. The crisis is not over while thousands of people who entered illegally remain in Ceuta. Spain must restore control and ensure effective returns," says Dolors Montserrat MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group.

"Defending Ceuta means defending Spain and the whole European Union. Europe must make clear that its borders are protected and that another mass invasion will not be tolerated," Montserrat stresses.