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EU migration chief claims Ceuta border crisis caused by criminal smuggling networks, disinformation

The Jerusalem Post (Reuters) · back to the audit

European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner alleged that Spain's Ceuta border crisis was fueled by criminal smuggling networks and disinformation on social media after an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers about the incident on Tuesday.

He declined to say whether Morocco bore any responsibility, but praised Rabat's cooperation with Spanish authorities on returns.

"There is an ongoing investigation of the matter (Morocco's role in the massive break) in Spain. So I ... can't actually comment on that any further but there was of course some disinformation by the smugglers and the human traffickers, that's what we know for sure," he said.

EU interior ministers called for tougher action against migrant smuggling networks and stronger returns policies after about 72,000 migrants entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta last week, triggering alarm across the bloc.

About 75 migrants died attempting the crossing, with many drowning and others crushed in the chaos.

Nevertheless, Italy suspended passport-free Schengen travel arrangements with Spain for a month, even though they do not apply to Ceuta, while 22 of the EU's 27 member states urged coordinated action to strengthen the bloc's external borders.

Danish Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov called for increased EU funding for border security, saying: "We will not accept a repeat of the situation in 2015."

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi urged the bloc to adopt "new hub models for the external processing of asylum procedures and for returns in safe third countries."