Stronger EU borders after Ceuta crisis
Stronger EU borders needed after Ceuta crisis, von der Leyen says
- Level
- B2
- Estimated time
- 30–40 minutes
- Reading
- 1 min read
The story
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has called for stronger EU borders after a sudden border crisis in Ceuta that involved tens of thousands of arrivals and quick returns. In a letter to Spain’s prime minister she wrote: "Order has been restored" and urged action at key points of the border.
Spain estimates that about 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco over the past four days, above earlier estimates of 50,000 arrivals. Authorities reported 88 deaths in Ceuta and at least 11 deaths in Morocco. Spanish officials began installing a 500-metre floating barrier at the border with Morocco.
Von der Leyen set out five areas for action, including cooperation with non-EU countries to prevent migration, stronger external borders, early warning systems, dismantling smuggling networks and boosting returns of people with no right to stay. EU interior ministers will hold emergency talks on Tuesday. So far Madrid has not requested the assistance of Frontex.
The crossings exposed deep divisions in Europe. Sánchez criticised other governments and said they should have supported Spain. A group of 22 leaders, led by Italy and Denmark, argued Sánchez should have handled the regularisation of many migrants differently.
Key vocabulary
- borders
- The official lines that separate countries or territories.
- migrants
- People who move from one country to another, often seeking safety or work.
- returned
- Sent or gone back to a previous place.
- barrier
- A structure that blocks or controls movement across a border.
- enclave
- A small territory or city that is surrounded by another country.
- deaths
- The number of people who have died.
- smuggling
- The illegal movement of people or goods across borders.
- Frontex
- The European border and coastguard agency that helps EU countries manage borders.
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. Who called for stronger EU borders?
2. How many migrants does Spain estimate returned over the past four days?
3. What physical measure did Spanish officials begin to install at the border?
4. Which agency has Madrid not requested so far?
5. What did Sánchez say other governments should have done?
Grammar focus
Should have
Should have + past participle is used to talk about criticism or things people think were the right action in the past. It shows that an action was expected but did not happen.
- Sánchez criticised other governments and said they should have supported Spain.
- A group of 22 leaders, led by Italy and Denmark, argued Sánchez should have handled the regularisation of many migrants differently.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with should have + past participle of the verb in brackets.
1. Last week, Spain (request) ______ Frontex help.
2. During the crisis, officials (install) ______ the floating barrier earlier.
3. EU leaders (act) ______ more quickly, so far.
4. Before the crossings, governments (prevent) ______ some dangerous journeys.
5. After the arrivals, Madrid (return) ______ people who had no right to stay.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- Do you think physical barriers are an appropriate response to sudden migrant arrivals? Why or why not?
- How can EU countries cooperate better with non-EU neighbours on migration issues?
- What are the human rights concerns when countries speed up returns and deportations?
- How might this crisis affect public opinion and politics in EU countries?