Donald Tusk Responds to Migration Crisis in Ceuta: Spain Must Follow Poland’s Example

Following the arrival of thousands of migrants from Morocco in the Spanish exclave, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Spain to adopt strict border measures to ensure the survival of the Schengen area.

Tusk’s Call to Action on Spain

Donald Tusk on Friday, July 31, addressed the situation in the Spanish exclave in North Africa, where thousands of migrants from Morocco arrived. “Poland has tightened its asylum law, border procedures, and built effective barriers on the border with Belarus, which is the eastern border of the Union. We have invested billions of euros and involved thousands of soldiers, police officers, and border guards. Spain must take an example from us if Schengen is to survive,” the prime minister wrote.

Giorgia Meloni’s Proposal on the Migration Crisis

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assessed that “uncontrolled and illegal immigration poses a real threat to the security of Europe’s borders.” In connection with this, the head of government announced the adoption of “extraordinary” measures to protect borders and citizens’ security, such as the suspension of the Schengen area’s application in relations with Spain. “On the issue of illegal immigration, we will not back down an inch,” Meloni assured.

Support from Denmark and Finland

The proposal of the Italian head of government was supported, among others, by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in an interview with the “Berlingske” newspaper. “We will not accept a repeat of the 2015 situation,” the politician said, referring to the migration crisis. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen expressed a similar opinion. “All European countries should support Meloni’s proposal,” she stated.

The Significance of Ceuta and Melilla

Thousands of people trying to get to Europe, a high fence, police patrols, and the sea. However, Ceuta and Melilla, located a few hundred kilometers further east, are more than just points on the migration route, writes Tomasz Skowronek on Wyborcza.pl.

Spain’s Reaction to the Crisis in Ceuta

The Spanish prime minister declared that his government will guarantee the safety of the residents of Ceuta by intensifying the presence of Security Forces and Corps on the streets of the city. “In addition, we will deploy a physical barrier on the sea to facilitate repatriation at the border, respecting the Supreme Court ruling. We will accelerate repatriation procedures for migrants who arrived illegally. And we will maintain cooperation with the Moroccan authorities to continue fighting the mafias that traffic in people,” Pedro Sanchez declared.

Sanchez on European Treaties and Border Statistics

The head of the Spanish government also emphasized that “solidarity and empathy are optional” as opposed to “respecting European treaties and data.” He then cited the number of illegal border crossings between 2021 and 2026 according to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). “Through Italy: 478,600. Through the Western Balkans: 340,600. Through Greece: 259,800. Through Spain: 234,760. Through the eastern border: 48,000,” Sanchez wrote. Finally, he stated that “this is not the time for divisions” and appealed for building a “strong and united EU.”

Estimates on Arrivals and Returns in Ceuta

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior estimates that on Thursday and during the night from Thursday to Friday, approximately 50,000 people reached Ceuta from neighboring Morocco. The city’s president, however, speaks of 60,000. The Ministry of the Interior also reports that about 25,000 have already voluntarily returned to Morocco, as we wrote on Gazeta.pl.