European Commission president calls for stronger border checks and barriers at EU borders after Ceuta crisis

Following the crisis in Ceuta, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for tighter border controls and the construction of barriers along the most vulnerable sections of the European Union’s external borders, Euronews reported.

Von der Leyen made the remarks in a letter addressed to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Sánchez accused several of his counterparts in the European Union of using the migration crisis in Ceuta to attack his government.

Several days ago, around 60,000 third-country nationals crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, marking the largest border crossing in Europe over such a short period. A few days later, most of the migrants returned to Morocco, and the situation in the enclave largely stabilised.

Ceuta’s local authorities said at least 72 people were killed while attempting to cross the border.

Although Ceuta is located on the African continent and none of the migrants reached mainland Europe, footage from the border triggered a strong reaction from European governments and the European Commission.

Sánchez came under criticism from other European governments over his handling of the crisis, while the Spanish leader accused his counterparts of acting selfishly, dividing society and violating the law.

“This incident clearly demonstrated that we need to do more to strengthen our borders at key points and, where necessary, through the installation of physical barriers,” von der Leyen wrote in her letter.