World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Von der Leyen calls for migrants in Ceuta to return to Morocco
Ursula von der Leyen called for the swift return to Morocco of people who entered Ceuta illegally and are still there.
Ceuta is a Spanish city in North Africa, and her request was set out in a letter sent to EU countries ahead of this week’s European Council meeting.
She said the European Commission would continue supporting Spanish authorities to ensure the returns.
Von der Leyen also urged EU countries to fully apply the Migration and Asylum Pact, which sets shared rules for handling migration and asylum.
She said countries have made progress on checks and border procedures, but must do more on responsibility rules, including transfers between countries.
Spain has not yet fully applied the pact, according to the account, which says the Commission has concerns about a lack of legislative measures.
The letter does not set out a deadline or further steps for the returns.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the rapid return to Morocco of people who entered Ceuta illegally and remain there.
In a letter sent to countries ahead of this week’s European Council meeting, she said the EU would continue supporting Spanish authorities.
Von der Leyen also urged countries to fully implement the Migration and Asylum Pact.
She said further work was needed on outstanding challenges, including rules on responsibility and transfers.
- Who
- Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, called for the returns.
- What
- She called for people who entered Ceuta illegally and remain there to be returned to Morocco.
- When
- In a letter ahead of the European Council meeting this week; the article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- Ceuta, Spain.
- Why
- The letter called for the situation in Ceuta to be resolved and said Morocco’s partnership depends on preventing illegal departures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Von der Leyen sent countries a letter calling for returns to Morocco and full implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
El Mundo published its report on the letter.
- Commission president
- Ursula von der Leyen
- Return destination
- Morocco
- Location
- Ceuta
- Letter timing
- Ahead of the European Council meeting this week
- Publication date
- 13 October 2026
What people are saying
the rapid return to Morocco of those who entered and remain illegally in Ceuta
supporting the Spanish authorities
It is our compass, based on the inseparable principles of solidarity and responsibility.
Sources
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