Brussels, 4 August 2026
Over video conference, EU home affairs ministers addressed recent developments in Ceuta. During the meeting the Spanish delegation, the European Commission and the EEAS shared their assessment on the events over the past days and the current situation at the external border in Ceuta.
The EU is united and stands ready to support Spain and protect our external borders from illegal migration. We commend Spain for their swift response to the situation in Ceuta and extend our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life. The EU’s external borders are our shared responsibility, and migration requires a united European response. Today’s meeting which I convened provided an important opportunity for member states to assess the tools already at our disposal, identify where further cooperation is needed, and advance our collective preparations ahead of the next ministerial meeting and the European Council in October.
Jim O’Callaghan, Irish minister for justice, home affairs and migration
Member states and the Schengen associated countries were united in expressing strong solidarity with Spain. Ministers appreciated the swift and effective efforts of Spanish authorities in responding to the situation in Ceuta. They also expressed their condolences for the people who lost their lives attempting to make the crossing.
The latest update from the Spanish authorities and the Commission indicates that the very large majority of people who have crossed illegally have been returned and there has been no onward movement to mainland Spain or other member states.
Today’s meeting provided an opportunity for member states to exchange on the importance of protecting the EU’s external borders.
There was a common understanding of the need to continue relentlessly fighting migrant smuggling networks, to reinforce returns, to strengthen EU borders, to build deep partnerships with third countries, and to improve foresight.
Ministers stressed the need to improve shared situational awareness, which could be achieved by further developing early-warning systems such as pre-frontier intelligence and social media monitoring.
The Council highlighted the importance of cooperation with third countries and to further develop partnerships that create the right opportunities for people in their home countries and strengthen migration management.
Finally, ministers pointed out that communication during moments of crisis could further be reinforced through timely coordination and should be more coherent, especially to counter malicious external actors engaged in foreign information manipulation and interference.
Source – EU Council