Federal Government pushes for protection of EU external borders
The surge of migrants into the exclave of Ceuta has put Spain in crisis mode. Chancellor Merz is following the developments with concern and urging for counteraction to be taken.
Berlin (dpa) - After tens of thousands of migrants poured into the exclave of Ceuta, Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich has called upon the Spanish government to get the situation under control as quickly as possible. “Protecting the European Union’s external borders is crucial for combating illegal migration,” stressed Merz. “We expect Morocco to take back the illegal migrants without delay,” the chancellor added.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that he was in contact with his Spanish and Moroccan counterparts Albares and Bourita. “I welcome Morocco’s willingness to continue working closely with Spain to guarantee the security of their shared border and to take back the migrants from Ceuta as quickly as possible,” said Wadephul.
In recent days, at least 50,000 migrants had illegally entered the Spanish exclave in North Africa from Morocco. It appears that the majority have since returned from Ceuta to Morocco. At least 57 people died while attempting to cross the border via the sea. Today, experts from the EU member states will be holding a crisis meeting to discuss the developments.
