Some MEPs have formally requested that the European Parliament be convened on an “exceptional basis” for an urgent debate on the migration crisis in Ceuta.
This, they say, should be with the participation of the Council and the European Commission.
The parliament is currently in recess for the summer and reconvening would be an exceptional step.
The extraordinary surge of arrivals has left at least 72 people dead and recent events have also sent shockwaves politically.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described the mass crossing of migrants as a “violation of Spain’s territorial integrity”.
Now, in a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, ECR co leaders Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki said the events in Ceuta “demonstrate the consequences of migration policies that have weakened deterrence, encouraged illegal migration and undermined Europe’s ability to protect its external borders.”
Jaki said:“The events in Ceuta are the consequence of migration policies that have weakened deterrence and encouraged illegal migration.
Elsewhere, the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament have also written to EC President Ursula von der Leyen, urging her to “intervene immediately”.
They want her to “clarify” the rules governing the suspension of the Schengen area by member states following the events in Ceuta.
The S&D Group has expressed concern over what it calls the “deliberate misrepresentation” by certain governments of what happened in Ceuta and of the “consequences that might follow, exploiting the situation for political ends.”
The S&D says no member state can “expel” another member state from Schengen”, adding, “The European Union is founded on respect for common rules, which must be applied in accordance with the rule of law, not for political expediency.”
“Defending Schengen means safeguarding the free movement of people, one of the greatest achievements of European integration,” it says.
A statement says the group has pointed out that “on this occasion, instead of responding with solidarity and support for Spain, the Right and the Far Right have reacted by calling for the closure of borders.”
It goes on, “This represents a serious precedent, stemming from Italy’s decision, which opens the door to potential manipulation of European law to serve the political agendas and interests of individual governments.
“Today, instead of cooperating with Spain, many governments have chosen confrontation over solidarity, calling into question not only Spain but also the very principle of shared European responsibility,” it concludes.
Ana Catarina Mendes, S&D Vice-President, said: “Migration is a historical phenomenon that should not be demonised but managed through regular entry channels, integration, rights, responsibilities, and a relentless fight against traffickers and exploiters. Schengen cannot be defended by erecting new borders within Europe; rather, it must be defended through a unified immigration policy and solidarity among member states.”
The MEP said, “Von der Leyen herself has publicly stated that ‘no one has reached mainland Spain or the rest of the European Union.’ If these are the facts, on what objective grounds was the reintroduction of internal border controls justified? We call on the Commission to clarify whether these legal conditions have in fact been met and, if not, to fully exercise its role as guardian of the Treaties.”
Further comment comes from Sandro Ruotolo, Member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, who said:”What has become of the Europe we once knew? Schengen is one of the European Union’s most important achievements.
“It cannot become a tool for exerting political pressure against another member state, nor can it be called into question on the basis of propaganda and fear. Musk’s videos, which portray people crossing the sea as ‘zombies’, confirm that the dehumanisation of language always precedes the dehumanisation of people. Politics must address challenges, not fuel fear and hatred.
“We have to promote a vision of Europe that is ambitious and does not yield to hatred, and respecting the Treaties is essential to reaffirming European values.
“What we are witnessing is simply propaganda: right-wing and far-right governments are manipulating free movement to fit their political agendas. President Von der Leyen must take responsibility for this.
“She cannot allow the clouding of facts to prevail or the principles of Schengen to be disregarded.”
