Brussels: Italy and Denmark have spearheaded a significant diplomatic initiative by sending a letter to key European Union leaders, calling for an immediate and coordinated response to recent developments at the EU’s external border in Ceuta. The letter, signed by 22 Heads of State and Government, was addressed to António Costa, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Micheál Martin, the current President of the Council of the European Union.
According to Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the letter highlights the pressing need to prevent uncontrolled irregular crossings and combat migrant trafficking networks at the EU’s external borders. The initiative urges the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to urgently convene an extraordinary video conference of Interior Ministers to assess the situation and formulate a unified European strategy.
The letter expresses deep concern over the situation in Ceuta, citing a recent Spanish
Supreme Court ruling as a catalyst for the crisis. The signatories emphasize the importance of protecting the integrity of the Union’s external borders and deterring illegal migration, while also addressing policies that may serve as pull factors, such as the regularization of large numbers of irregular migrants.
The letter further calls for immediate action to prevent the perception that illegal entry into the EU is possible, which could undermine confidence in the EU’s common migration policy and have wide-ranging repercussions. It underscores the importance of the Chisinau Declaration on migration and calls for its swift implementation.
Italy and Denmark, along with the other signatories, commend the cooperation between Spain and Morocco in addressing the situation and stress the need for the European Union’s support to bring the situation under control. The letter requests the mobilization of EU resources and enhanced Frontex support to restore effective border control and prevent further crossings.
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e signatories also note that no unauthorized onward movements have been recorded toward Europe and reiterate their readiness to implement necessary measures to safeguard public order and address risks arising from secondary movements.
The letter concludes with a call for unity, determination, and urgency in the EU’s response to the crisis, emphasizing that protecting the Union’s external borders and supporting frontline Member States are shared European responsibilities.