European Union leaders have called for border protection in the wake of an immigrant surge in Ceuta.
A meeting with EU officials led to a common understanding that migrant networks must be addressed and returns to home countries enforced. The Council further concluded that cultivating relationships with third countries to strengthen immigration management is a necessity.
“The EU is united and stands ready to support Spain and protect our external borders from illegal migration. We commend Spain for their swift response to the situation in Ceuta and extend our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life. The EU’s external borders are our shared responsibility, and migration requires a united European response,” said Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, in part.
The EU recently reached a provisional deal that allows member states to send illegal immigrants to “return hubs” in countries outside of the EU.
“The new regulation will speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU,” said Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus Nicholas Ioannides. “Migration is a top priority for the Cyprus Presidency, and today’s landmark agreement strengthens the credibility of the EU’s migration policy and complements the EU Pact on migration and asylum, always in compliance with human rights. The swift conclusion of this file within a tight timeframe reflects the commitment of the institutions to establish a set of EU rules on effective returns as part of a holistic migration system.”
