Spain asked the EU not to criticize Morocco over the migration crisis

Migration crisis in Ceuta

According to Укрінформ — Мігранти: Spain has reached out to the governments of European countries requesting them to refrain from public criticism of Morocco regarding the migration crisis in Ceuta. During an online meeting of the EU interior ministers, Madrid asked to remove negative messages regarding Morocco's role in this matter. Participants at the meeting inquired how 72,000 people managed to reach Spanish territory in such a short period. The Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, in response to a question about who was to blame for the crisis, stated that

"there does not necessarily have to be someone to blame"

.

Sources report that Morocco is believed to have at least turned a blind eye to the influx of migrants into Ceuta. The incident was likely intended to serve as a political warning for Madrid. The situation was fueled by false messages on social media about a decision by the Spanish Supreme Court that apparently prohibited the compulsory immediate return of illegal migrants. Western officials noted that entities within the Russian disinformation ecosystem reacted very quickly and broadly to events at the Spanish-Moroccan border.

Response from European leaders

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz openly urged Morocco to take action and accept migrants back. Other leaders from EU countries avoided hints of Morocco's responsibility. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that migrants should not be used to pressure the EU but did not mention Morocco. She also proposed more financial support for Morocco. The mayor of the Spanish city of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, accused Morocco of provoking a massive influx of migrants.

• On July 31, it was reported that almost 50,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco to Ceuta within one day.
• Later, the Spanish government stated that more than 48,300 people who illegally arrived in Ceuta had returned back.
• Leaders from 22 EU member states called for an immediate and coordinated response to the events in Ceuta.

The situation with migrants in Ceuta underscores the complexity of the relationship between the European Union and Morocco, as well as the challenges faced by EU countries in the context of migration policy. Spain, which has a strategic location, is trying to avoid escalating tensions with Morocco which could lead to even greater waves of migration. At the same time, EU countries, including Germany and others, are calling for active measures to prevent similar crises in the future.

The ongoing migration challenges have prompted Spain to implement measures to manage the influx of migrants. In light of this, the establishment of a 500-meter floating barrier is being set up to further control borders and mitigate the situation. Such actions reflect the urgency and complexity of the crisis that Spain is currently facing.