The migration crisis in Ceuta has become one of the first major challenges of the new political season for the European Union. This summer, tens of thousands of people arrived illegally in the Spanish autonomous city from Morocco, prompting Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to propose new regulations before the European Parliament. The draft would let member states temporarily deviate from standard migration procedures in emergencies – a measure the Commission President called “flexibility”. At the same time, the EU is already looking at ways to set up deportation centres outside its borders.
During her State of the Union address, Ursula von der Leyen accused criminal networks and “adversaries” of the EU of exploiting “vulnerable people” against the bloc. She stressed that “the border of Ceuta is a European border, because Ceuta is Spain, Ceuta is Europe” and reminded that the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into force in July, has already tightened conditions for asylum seekers.
A new emergency response mechanism
The proposed “new European emergency response mechanism” would provide temporary leeway in standard procedures. According to Ursula von der Leyen, rules could be altered for a limited period and in a strictly defined manner during crises, especially to speed up and ease the return of migrants. She argued that Europe needs tools to protect its borders when mass movements of people are “organized and used as a weapon”, citing cases where Russia and Belarus have deployed migrants in hybrid operations on the borders of Poland and Lithuania.
Security protocol and trade relations
Against the backdrop of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine and recent failed drone attacks on an airport in Leipzig, Ursula von der Leyen also suggested creating an “emergency security protocol”. The mechanism would work similarly to NATO’s Article 4, enabling consultations among member states when external threats such as drone incursions, cyber‑attacks, or sabotage arise. She also highlighted the need to deepen EU cooperation with NATO.
On trade, Ursula von der Leyen pointed to the EU’s deficit with China, roughly 1 billion euros. While talks with Beijing continue, she warned that “words are good, but facts are better” and affirmed that the Union will use all available tools to rebalance trade relations.
Source: El País
