EU offers more aid to Morocco, border controls after Ceuta

The European Commission has proposed increasing technical and financial support to Morocco and strengthening border controls following a massive surge of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week. The proposal, outlined in a letter from Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dated August 3, comes amid intense political fallout within the European Union over the incident.

Between July 30 and July 31, tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, one of only two EU land borders in Africa. Spanish authorities reported approximately 50,000 arrivals, while local officials estimated the number at around 60,000. At least 72 people died during the crossings, with officials citing drownings and a stampede at a breakwater. Within 48 hours, the vast majority of those who entered had returned to Morocco, and the situation in the city of about 84,000 residents has since calmed.

In her letter, von der Leyen described Morocco as an important strategic partner and stated the EU could work with Spain to enhance border management early-warning systems and improve support to Rabat. She also called for stronger borders at critical...