Stronger EU Borders After the 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 said the EU must strengthen its borders after a recent crisis in Ceuta. Tens of thousands of migrants briefly arrived in the Spanish enclave on the coast of north Africa. In a letter to Spain’s prime minister she warned of the need for vigilant monitoring and, where needed, physical barriers. "Order has been restored."
Spain estimates that about 69,500 migrants returned to Morocco over four days, higher than initial figures. The authorities reported dozens of deaths among people trying to reach the territory. Spanish officials quickly installed a 500-metre floating barrier at the border. The majority of migrants soon left Ceuta and the returns system worked.
Von der Leyen said the EU should focus on five areas: cooperation with non-EU countries to prevent migration; stronger external borders and better monitoring; dismantling smuggling networks; and boosting returns of people with no right to stay. She also said Spain could access EU funds and help from Frontex, although Madrid has not asked for that support.
The crossings highlighted deep divisions among EU governments. Some countries suggested stricter action, and Spain’s leader criticised other governments for not supporting his country. The event may push the EU to change how it manages migration and borders.
Key vocabulary
- borders
- Lines or areas that separate countries and control who can enter.
- migrants
- People who move from one country or place to another.
- enclave
- A small territory or city that is part of one country but is inside another country.
- barrier
- A physical structure that blocks or controls movement at a border.
- monitoring
- Watching and checking activity to keep things under control.
- returns
- The process of sending people back to their home country.
- smuggling
- The illegal transport of people or goods across borders.
- Frontex
- The European Union’s border agency that helps with border control.
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. Who said the EU must strengthen its borders?
2. How many migrants did Spain estimate returned to Morocco?
3. What did Spanish officials install at the border?
4. Name two areas von der Leyen said the EU should work on.
5. Has Madrid asked for support from Frontex?
Grammar focus
Adverbs describing verbs
Adverbs describe how actions happen. They often come before or after the main verb and give more information about the action.
- Spanish officials quickly installed a 500-metre floating barrier at the border.
- The majority of migrants soon left Ceuta.
Grammar exercise
Fill each gap with an adverb from the article to complete the sentence naturally.
1. This week Spanish officials _____ (install) the floating barrier.
2. So far most migrants _____ (leave) Ceuta.
3. Yesterday border police _____ (patrol) the area.
4. This month EU interior ministers _____ (hold) emergency talks.
5. Several times this week diplomats _____ (criticise) other governments.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- Do you think physical barriers are an effective way to control migration? Why or why not?
- What responsibilities should EU countries have when a crisis happens in one member state?
- How can European countries cooperate with non-EU countries to prevent dangerous crossings?
- What are the human and political costs of sudden migration surges?