The European Commission has deployed a team of migration experts to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, two weeks after around 80,000 migrants crossed into the territory from Morocco triggering an unprecedented humanitarian and political crisis, and amid reports that further large-scale attempts to cross into the enclave could be imminent.
Speaking on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Commission said the mission was intended to “understand the first-hand needs on the ground” and how the EU can bolster its support for the Spanish authorities.
Yet, the executive declined to say whether the visit would also cover preparations for a potential fresh influx, amid reports that a “forward call” is circulating on Moroccan social media urging migrants to make the journey again on the night of 14-15 August.
“For us it's not about a specific date. It's about reinforcing our borders and ensuring returns every day of the year,” another European Commission spokesperson said.
As many as 80,000 migrants are estimated to have entered Ceuta – the Spanish enclave home to just 83,000 people – by swimming across from neighbouring Morocco during the last two days of July, with around 100 people reported to have lost their lives.
