Media: Brussels eyes tougher migration rules after Ceuta influx

The European Commission is preparing to further tighten the EU’s migration policy amid pressure from member states, with three major options under consideration that could be announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address this week, Euronews reports.

The measures follow the July 30 migration crisis in Spain’s Ceuta enclave, when around 80,000 people reportedly entered the territory in a single day. The episode has added momentum to efforts to strengthen the bloc’s external borders and increase returns of irregular migrants.

Despite a decline in irregular crossings and asylum applications since 2023, EU officials, diplomats and MEPs told Euronews that the Commission is considering a temporary suspension of asylum rules during sudden, large-scale arrivals.

“The images we have seen this summer are too disturbing for Europeans,” one EU official said. “Something major on migration has to be announced for sure.”

The proposed suspension would mean EU countries could temporarily stop processing asylum applications from people who enter irregularly during a major influx. “This idea is floating, and it would be a significant change,” another EU official said.

The Commission is also considering expanding the role of Frontex, the EU border agency. Von der Leyen previously pledged to triple its staff to 30,000 officers, while the agency is expected to receive €12 billion under the EU’s next seven-year budget.

“Changes could include involvement in migrants’ returns, wider cooperation with third countries and a more active role in surveillance,” a Frontex official told Euronews, adding that a concrete proposal could be presented in October.

Another proposal involves strengthening so-called “return hubs” in third countries for deporting irregular migrants. Five EU countries are reportedly in advanced talks with partner states, with the aim of beginning deportations by 2026.

The Commission could also consider financing such hubs through the EU budget, which proposes allocating €74 billion for migration management between 2028 and 2034.

“The majority of member states have expressed interest in this kind of project. A common way of financing them in the future cannot be excluded,” an EU official said.

The proposals have backing from the European People’s Party, while NGOs and left-wing groups are expected to oppose them.

“Pursuing in the same direction is a terrible mistake,” Greens MEP Mélissa Camara said.

By Vafa Guliyeva