EU praises Morocco’s ‘swift’ cooperation in response to Ceuta migration crisis

Nasser Bourita and Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica on Saturday praised Morocco’s cooperation with Spain and the European Union in responding to the recent migration crisis around the occupied city of Ceuta, describing the situation as “unacceptable” while emphasizing the need for a coordinated response.

On 01/08/2026 at 14h49

In a post on X, the European commissioner said she had held a “constructive exchange” with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on the latest developments around the occupied enclave.

Šuica stressed that “illegal migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking can only be addressed together,” underscoring the importance of close cooperation between Rabat, Madrid and Brussels.

She also praised “Morocco’s swift action,” as well as «its close cooperation in support of Spain» and “the prompt readmissions, in line with applicable law.”

Her remarks come as Moroccan authorities have deployed significant resources to contain attempts to reach Ceuta and facilitate the return of migrants.

The commissioner further described Morocco as “a close and longstanding partner of the European Union,” adding that both sides will continue working together to strengthen migration management and deepen the Kingdom’s strategic and comprehensive partnership with the EU.

The European statement comes amid heightened migration pressures in northern Morocco in recent days, particularly around the city of Fnideq, where thousands of people attempted to reach Ceuta.

According to Spanish authorities, of the “50,000 to 60,000″ migrants who headed toward the enclave this week, more than 48,000 have already returned to Morocco, highlighting the scale of the coordinated return operations carried out by the two countries.

By Mohamed Chakir Alaoui
On 01/08/2026 at 14h49