The recent hybrid attacks and instrumentalisation of migrants in Ceuta and the need for a coordinated response to protect EU’s external borders

✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 20 Sept 2026

Parliament's resolution responds to the mass irregular crossings into Ceuta from Morocco between 29 and 31 July 2026, which it calls a hybrid attack and instrumentalisation of migration against a member state's territorial integrity.¶¶¶ It expresses solidarity with Ceuta and Melilla, regrets the deaths, and asks Spain and Morocco to identify the dead, treat remains with dignity and investigate each death.¶¶¶ It calls on Spain to restore order in Ceuta, use the EUR 114,7 million in EU emergency aid, and cooperate with the Audiencia Nacional investigation.¶¶¶ It criticises Spain's mass regularisation policy as a pull factor, asks the Commission to assess its cross-border impact, and says illegal entry must never become legal residence.¶¶¶ It demands stronger external border protection, more funding and Frontex capability, full use of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, and returns of those with no right to remain, including unaccompanied minors.¶¶¶ It asks Morocco to honour border and return commitments, wants EU funds to third countries conditional and recoverable, and calls for an assessment of the events of 30 and 31 July 2026.¶¶¶

Key points

Pays tribute to the people of Ceuta and Melilla as an example of coexistence and states their sovereignty and territorial integrity are beyond question.¶¶
Expresses sorrow for the 141 people who died at sea during the events of 30 and 31 July 2026.¶
Condemns the mass illegal crossings into Ceuta from Morocco and the instrumentalisation of irregular migration as a tool of hybrid warfare.¶
Regrets the loss of life and says the deaths could have been prevented had measures been taken on both sides.¶
Calls on Spain and Morocco, with Commission support, to identify all the dead, treat and repatriate remains, notify families and investigate each death.¶
Calls on the Spanish Government to deploy measures to restore normality in Ceuta, including security and economic support for businesses, workers and residents.¶
Expresses concern at Spain's large-scale regularisation policy as a pull factor and stresses illegal entry must never become a shortcut to legal residence.¶
Calls on the Commission to assess the cross-border impact of national mass regularisation schemes on secondary movements and Schengen security.¶
Condemns violence recorded in Ceuta and calls on Spain to reinforce police and security forces to restore public order.¶
Welcomes the Commission's EUR 114,7 million emergency grant to Spain and calls for full use of these funds and EU agency support.¶
Calls for stronger external border protection, more funding including for border infrastructure, enhanced Frontex capabilities and swiftly deployable crisis instruments.¶
Calls for full use of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, protection and individual assessment of unaccompanied children, and swift returns of those with no right to remain.¶¶¶

Who is affected

Spain: asked to restore order in Ceuta, use EU funds, cooperate with the investigation and accelerate returns.¶¶¶
Morocco: called on to honour border management, return and migration commitments and respect EU member states' territorial integrity.¶
Unaccompanied children in Ceuta: Spanish authorities must ensure protection, care and individual assessment with their best interests primary.¶
Residents, workers and businesses in Ceuta: to receive security and economic support to restore normality.¶
EU member states and the Commission: asked to increase funding, enhance Frontex and make crisis instruments swiftly deployable.¶

Figures and deadlines

approximately 80 000 migrants crossed irregularly into Ceuta from Morocco between 29 and 31 July 2026¶
at least 141 people died during the crossing¶
up to 11 000 irregular migrants refused to return to Morocco and remain in Ceuta¶
Ceuta has a resident population of approximately 84 500¶
Spain requested over EUR 32 million in emergency financial support on 24 August 2026¶
the Commission granted Spain EUR 114,7 million in emergency financial support on 9 September 2026¶
the Pact on Migration and Asylum has been fully applicable since 12 June 2026¶

Legal basis: Treaty on European Union and Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular their provisions on the area of freedom, security and justice¶

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text and ¶ links to the paragraph it rests on. Check the text itself before relying on it.