EU vulnerable while border control depends on neighbors, says commissioner

European Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner warned that the EU will remain vulnerable to migration crises like the recent one in Ceuta as long as external border control depends on the "good will" of neighboring countries. Speaking before the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee, he called for strengthening the EU's own capacity to prevent such episodes. Brunner stressed that "as long as control depends on the good will of a neighboring state, we will remain vulnerable" Source: ABC.es.

The Ceuta crisis

Around 70,000 non-EU nationals entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours, marking the largest irregular border crossing in Europe in such a short period Source: Euronews. Brunner described the episode as a "test of resilience and security" for external borders, but noted that "dramatic images outweigh the best statistics" Source: Infobae. He acknowledged that Spain's response, cooperation with Morocco, and EU support helped contain the situation and preserve the Schengen area's integrity Source: ABC.es.

EU response

At an extraordinary meeting of EU interior ministers, there was a "common understanding" on the need to act, including fighting migrant smuggling networks, strengthening returns, enhancing border security, deepening partnerships with third countries, and improving early warning systems Source: Euronews. Brunner advocated fully implementing the Migration and Asylum Pact, reinforcing Frontex, and accelerating returns of those without the right to stay Source: Infobae.

Disagreement

Sources differ on the cause: Euronews reports that some member states wanted to discuss Spanish policies, such as the January regularization of nearly half a million irregular migrants, which may have contributed to the crisis Source: Euronews. However, ABC.es and Infobae do not mention this factor, focusing instead on external dependence and border management Source: ABC.es, Infobae.