03/08/2026
In view of tomorrow´s (4th August 2026´) extraordinary virtual meeting of the EU´s Home Affairs ministers, CCME General Secretary Dr Torsten Moritz commented:
“It is in principle a good idea that EU member states meet to discuss a reaction to the arrival of large groups of migrants and refugees in Ceuta – a situation which poses many challenges. EU member states could discuss how to avoid the loss of life at the EU´s borders and how to support Spanish authorities in a humanitarian response. There is a need to find swift responses which address the worries of the Ceuta population and at the same time provide a dignified reception and lawful treatment of those arriving.
Yet, the letter of 22 member states asking for the extraordinary meeting offers little hope that a humanitarian response will to be at the centre of debate. It will certainly be good to discuss how migration cooperation with Morocco works – or rather doesn’t. Once again, it becomes clear that relying on migration deals with non-democratic third countries causes problems rather than solving them.
What is worrying is the language about “preventing further uncontrolled crossings”. What do other member states expect Spain to do? Should Spain push persons arriving on its shores back into the sea or ignore decisions of its courts about access to the territory? We obviously know that many EU member states are doing exactly that. And yet, this was, is and remains a violation of international and European laws and the rule of law. Recent activities of Spanish authorities in Ceuta are of concern in this context.
What we learn from the events of the last days is that dissuasion, deterrence and dodgy migration deals don’t work – if the causes which made people leave remain unchanged. The EU needs a robust and resilient reception infrastructure if it wants to avoid depending on shady deal with problematic regimes. What we need is a system which protects people more than borders”
