European Commission backs return of irregular migrants from Ceuta

Wednesday 19 August 2026 - 09:25

By: Azzat Manal

European Commission backs return of irregular migrants from Ceuta

The European Commission has expressed support for the return of people staying irregularly in Ceuta, as Spanish and Moroccan authorities work to manage the consequences of increased irregular migration to the Spanish enclave in North Africa.

A European Commission spokesperson responsible for internal affairs said the immediate priority was to restore control of the situation and ensure the rapid return of people who do not have legal grounds to remain in Ceuta. Any returns, according to the Commission, should be carried out within the European Union's existing legal framework.

The European Union also reaffirmed Spain's role in protecting the bloc's external borders. The Commission indicated that European agencies could provide operational assistance to Spanish authorities, including the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, Europol.

The issue has become particularly sensitive because of the number of minors among those who entered Ceuta irregularly. Spanish authorities have been dealing with pressure on accommodation and reception facilities while determining the legal status and future arrangements for those who remain in the territory.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska previously estimated that around 5,000 irregular migrants were still in Ceuta, including nearly 1,900 minors. Spanish authorities have said they intend to return people who entered the territory unlawfully, subject to the applicable legal procedures.

The European position highlights the importance of cooperation between Spain, Morocco and EU institutions in managing migration along the western Mediterranean and Atlantic routes. Brussels has repeatedly emphasized the role of border cooperation, return procedures and coordination with partner countries in addressing irregular migration.

The situation also illustrates the complex legal and humanitarian considerations surrounding the return of migrants, particularly unaccompanied minors. Authorities must take into account individual circumstances and applicable European and international protections when determining whether and how a person can be returned.

For the European Union, the developments in Ceuta are part of a broader effort to strengthen the management of its external borders while maintaining common rules governing asylum, migration and returns.