Stronger protection of EU borders

USPA NEWS - Ceuta: European Parliament calls for stronger protection of EU borders

The European Parliament has called for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders following mass irregular crossings into Ceuta at the end of July. In a resolution adopted by 339 votes to 225, with 16 abstentions, MEPs urged greater EU support for Spain, closer cooperation with Morocco and the return of people who have no right to remain in the EU.

MEPs expressed deep sorrow over the reported deaths of 141 people at sea during the events of 30 and 31 July 2026. They condemned what they described as the use of irregular migration as a tool of hybrid warfare against the territorial integrity of an EU member state.
The resolution affirms Parliament’s support for the people of Ceuta and Melilla. MEPs said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the two Spanish cities are beyond question, and praised Ceuta’s residents and local authorities for their response to the crisis.

Parliament also commended the Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil, Spanish armed forces, Spanish Red Cross, Cáritas, non-governmental organisations and other civil society groups involved in the response. It condemned violence reported in Ceuta since the end of July and called for more police and security resources. MEPs urged the Spanish government to make full use of EU emergency funding and agency support, and to cooperate with the continuing national judicial investigation.

The resolution criticises the Spanish government’s large-scale regularisation policy, which MEPs say could encourage further irregular migration and send the wrong signal to smuggling networks. They asked the European Commission to assess whether such national schemes could affect movement between EU countries and the operation of the Schengen area.
MEPs stressed that protecting the EU’s external borders is a shared responsibility. They called for increased funding for border infrastructure, stronger Frontex capabilities and resources that can be deployed quickly during a crisis. They also urged member states to do more to prevent and combat migrant smuggling.

Parliament noted that the Pact on Migration and Asylum has applied since 12 June 2026 and called on Spain to use its legal and operational provisions in full. The resolution seeks the prompt return of people with no right to stay in the EU, including unaccompanied minors, in full compliance with EU and international law. MEPs also called on Spain and Morocco to speed up cooperation on returns and readmissions following the July crossings.
Finally, Parliament urged Morocco to meet its commitments on border management and migration cooperation. MEPs said that respect for the territorial integrity of EU member states is a fundamental principle, and called for EU funding and preferential market access for neighbouring countries to be linked to effective cooperation on border management, migrant smuggling and readmission.