The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on Morocco and Spain to facilitate the return of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. The resolution, initiated by the European People's Party, was approved with 339 votes against 225, and 16 abstentions. It condemns the mass and illegal border crossings into Ceuta, both by land and sea, and criticizes the use of clandestine migration as a hybrid warfare instrument against an EU member state.
The resolution emphasizes the need to strengthen the protection of the EU's external borders in Ceuta, which is a Spanish and European city. The Parliament considers the sovereignty of Ceuta and other Spanish territories to be non-negotiable. The text also calls on Morocco to respect its responsibilities in managing borders and cooperating on migration. It demands unconditional respect for the territorial integrity of EU member states, in line with international law.
The European Parliament has expressed criticism towards the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Sánchez, over its handling of the migration issue. The resolution notes that large-scale regularization policies in Spain can create a pull effect, sending a signal to potential migrants and smugglers. The Parliament has asked the European Commission to assess the impact of these national mechanisms on secondary movements and the functioning of the Schengen area.
The resolution was supported by the European People's Party and three far-right groups, while three left-wing groups opposed it, and liberal lawmakers were divided. The Parliament's stance on migration reflects a broader concern about the security and integrity of the EU's external borders. Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish enclaves in Morocco, have been focal points for migration into Europe.
Morocco and Spain have faced criticism for their handling of migration issues, with many EU lawmakers arguing that more needs to be done to address the root causes of migration. The European Parliament's resolution is seen as a way to pressure both countries to take a more proactive approach to managing migration flows. The issue remains a contentious one, with many EU member states calling for stronger external border controls.
The migration issue has significant implications for EU-Morocco relations, with many EU lawmakers arguing that Morocco has a responsibility to cooperate on migration management. The European Parliament's resolution reflects a broader concern about the security and stability of the EU's external borders. It remains to be seen how Morocco and Spain will respond to the Parliament's calls for action.
The European Parliament's resolution on migration is part of a broader effort to strengthen the EU's external borders and address the root causes of migration. The issue will continue to be a major concern for EU lawmakers, with many calling for a more comprehensive approach to managing migration flows.
Key points
- European Parliament urges Morocco and Spain to facilitate return of migrants who crossed into Ceuta
- Resolution condemns mass and illegal border crossings into Ceuta
- Parliament calls for stronger protection of EU's external borders in Ceuta
