EU's von der Leyen pledges support for Spain over situation in Ceuta

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday (July 31) that the images coming from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta were "unacceptable" and vowed additional support for Spain to control the situation.

"We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules," von der Leyen said in a post on X.

She said dangerous crossings must stop immediately, smuggling networks must be dismantled and returns must be carried out swiftly, as allowed under EU rules.

Von der Leyen said she had tasked two European commissioners with supporting efforts to control the situation.

She said European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Magnus Brunner was working closely with Spain and was ready to travel to critical points. He will work on additional operational support for Spain, including through the EU border agency Frontex.

She added that Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica was in contact with her Moroccan counterpart.

Von der Leyen said she was confident that the European Union's close partnership with Morocco would help deliver concrete results.

At least 24 migrants have died trying to swim from Morocco to Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, as authorities grapple with a surge in irregular crossings that has overwhelmed border controls.

Spanish media estimate that up to 40,000 migrants entered Ceuta on July 30, though officials have not confirmed the figure. Spain has deployed troops to reinforce security and is working with Morocco to speed up returns.

The crisis has prompted France to tighten border checks with Spain, while political tensions have emerged within Europe over the bloc's response to the unprecedented influx of migrants.