The European Union seeks Morocco's cooperation on migration issues using policy tools. Recent large migrant movements into Ceuta highlight the need for neighborly collaboration. The EU relies on agreements with North African nations for border control and returns. Morocco defends its efforts, stating it prevented many irregular crossings and dismantled networks. However, some officials question Morocco's reliability regarding border security and migrant flows.

Madrid will press its case for more solidarity, as ministers discuss lessons learned, tighter external-border controls and possible new EU measures this fall.

Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta has seen a sharp surge in migrant arrivals, prompting questions over whether Morocco deliberately eased border controls.

Madrid says 70,000 of the 72,000 that crossed into Ceuta have returned home

European Union interior ministers on Tuesday called for tougher action against migrant smuggling networks and stronger return policies after around 72,000 migrants entered Spain's…

Ceuta is just the latest example of a larger pattern in which foreign actors use mass migration as a weapon to achieve political ends.