European Commission Addresses Ceuta Situation and EU Border Control

European Commissioner Brunner addressed the European Parliament on the situation in Ceuta, stating that nearly 80,000 people entered illegally from Morocco over two days in late July, an unprecedented event. The Schengen area's integrity was preserved through Spanish action with Moroccan cooperation, but thousands remain, including over 2,000 unaccompanied minors. The EU granted €114.7 million in emergency assistance to Spain for border surveillance, screening facilities, and return support, and plans to strengthen Frontex, combat smuggling, and implement new return rules.