Twenty-two European Union leaders, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, have signed a joint letter warning against further attempts to breach the bloc’s external borders. The appeal comes after around 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, prompting calls for an urgent EU-wide response.
The letter was addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency. It was initiated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and it was signed by presidents or prime ministers of 22 member states. Ireland was not among them because its premier is one of the addressees; Spain, France, Luxembourg and Portugal also did not sign.
The leaders said they are determined to prevent attempts to „undermine the integrity of the external borders of the Community” in the way Ceuta did. They argued that uncontrolled mass border crossings, instrumentalisation of migration and other hybrid threats must not create the impression that illegal entry into the EU is possible.
– We cannot allow uncontrolled, mass border crossings, instrumentalisation of migration or other hybrid threats to create the impression that illegal entry into the European Union is possible – the leaders said.
They also stressed that „illegal entry of a migrant” must not „turn into legal residence.” Such a perception, according to the letter, would encourage further attempts, undermine trust in the joint migration policy and have consequences for all member states.
Emergency meeting called for
The signatories welcomed close cooperation between Spain and Morocco that allowed a large part of those who entered illegally to be sent back quickly. In view of the seriousness of the situation, they asked the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU to convene an extraordinary video conference of interior ministers as a matter of urgency.
– In light of the gravity of the situation, we ask the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to convene, on an urgent basis, an extraordinary video conference of interior ministers – the leaders wrote.
That meeting, they explained, should allow for a joint assessment of the situation and agreement on a coordinated European response, including rapid mobilisation of available EU instruments and necessary support for Spain. The goal is to restore effective control of the EU’s external border and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.
– Ministers should in particular consider increased support from Frontex and the effectiveness of EU cooperation with Morocco – they underlined.
They also confirmed readiness to take all necessary measures under EU law and Schengen rules, including strengthening or reintroducing temporary controls at internal borders, to ensure public order and counter threats from secondary movements.
Ceuta in crisis
Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast, saw around 60,000 migrants cross into its territory in recent days. According to Spain’s government, the death toll now stands at 67; the victims include people who drowned and people who died in panic during attempts to cross the breakwater barrier.
– The situation is unsustainable. … Action was taken too late and was insufficient – said Juan Jesus Vivas, president of Ceuta, quoted by Cadena SER radio.
– The government must take energetic, decisive and immediate steps – appealed Juan Jesus Vivas, a politician from the opposition People’s Party.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Ceuta on Friday and described the situation as a „violation of territorial integrity.” He said repatriation procedures would be accelerated together with Moroccan authorities and blamed human trafficking mafias for causing the crisis. Madrid has sent 3,000 soldiers to the city; Defence Minister Margarita Robles said they were „fully ready to help the Civil Guard, police and residents of Ceuta.”
Tusk points to Poland’s example
Donald Tusk reacted to the events earlier, saying Poland has tightened asylum law, introduced border procedures and built effective barriers on the border with Belarus, which is the EU’s eastern border. He noted that Poland 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 – Tusk added.
The Polish prime minister also wrote that most member states expressed support for Spain and offered help, but some governments attacked Madrid and demanded a temporary exclusion of Spain from the Schengen zone. The context pointed mainly to Italy as the source of those demands.
Source: Polsat News, Photo: Polsat News
