Madrid urges Brussels to back Ceuta and Melilla as EU border frontier

Spain’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, called on the European Union to acknowledge the unique security challenges faced by the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Speaking to RTVE on Monday, Albares stressed that these cities host the EU’s only land border with Africa and therefore require special attention.

He contrasted the situation in Italy, which sees the highest number of illegal entrants, with Spain’s comparatively low figures, arguing that Italy’s policies should serve as a model for handling the Lampedusa situation. Albares warned that the lack of a cohesive stance among EU members could leave the enclaves exposed.

The minister pointed out that the recent wave of arrivals – about 50,000 migrants who swam from Morocco to Ceuta within 48 hours – marked an unprecedented event. He praised Morocco’s swift cooperation, noting that the majority of those who entered were already repatriated thanks to the North African nation’s assistance.

Albares reminded EU officials that the upcoming meeting of interior ministers presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen joint border management. He concluded by reiterating that a united European response is essential for the safety and integrity of the continent’s external frontiers.