Stronger EU borders after the Ceuta crossings
Stronger EU borders needed after Ceuta crisis, von der Leyen says
- Level
- B2
- Estimated time
- 30–40 minutes
- Reading
- 1 min read
The story
The president of the European Commission said Europe must strengthen its borders after the recent Ceuta crisis. Tens of thousands of migrants arrived in the Spanish enclave and most left quickly. She asked for better monitoring at critical points and the use of physical barriers where needed.
Spain estimates about 69,500 people returned to Morocco over four days. Authorities reported 88 deaths trying to reach Ceuta and at least 11 deaths in Morocco. A 500-metre floating barrier was installed at the border and local officials said order had been restored.
The commission listed five areas for work: cooperation with non-EU countries, stronger external borders, early warning systems, dismantling smuggling networks and boosting returns of those with no right to stay. Many must have returned because of the organised returns system. The returns system must have worked to move so many people home quickly.
EU interior ministers will hold emergency talks to discuss lessons from the crossings. The episode exposed divisions between member states about migration policy, and some governments want offshore centres and other measures to prevent future crises.
Key vocabulary
- borders
- Lines or places that separate one country or territory from another.
- migrants
- People who move from one place to another, often to find safety or work.
- returned
- Went back to the place they came from.
- barrier
- A structure that blocks or controls movement at a border.
- monitoring
- Careful watching of a place or activity over time.
- smuggling
- Secretly moving people or goods illegally across a border.
- returns
- The official process of sending people back to another country.
- crisis
- A serious or dangerous situation that needs quick action.
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. Who asked for stronger borders after the Ceuta incident?
2. Approximately how many people does Spain estimate returned to Morocco?
3. What physical measure was installed at the border?
4. Name two of the five areas the commission said needed work.
5. What will EU interior ministers do next about the crossings?
Grammar focus
Modals for past deduction
Modals for past deduction (must have, could have, might have) show a conclusion about a past event when we are not certain.
- Many must have returned because of the organised returns system.
- The returns system must have worked to move so many people home quickly.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the correct modal for past deduction using the verb in brackets.
1. Over the past four days, many migrants ___ (return).
2. By Monday, the majority ___ (leave) quickly.
3. So far, officials ___ (record) several deaths.
4. Already, a floating barrier ___ (install) at the border.
5. This week, the returns system ___ (work) well.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- Do you think physical barriers are a good or bad way to control borders? Why?
- How can countries balance humanitarian concerns with border control?
- What are the risks and benefits of offshore centres for migrants?
- How should EU countries cooperate to prevent future border crises?