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
The president of the European Commission has said the EU must strengthen its borders after a sudden crisis in Ceuta. Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave and then quickly left, creating a political row between Madrid and other EU countries. Spanish officials started to install a floating barrier at the border with Morocco.
Spain estimates that about 69,500 people returned to Morocco over four days. Authorities reported dozens of deaths during the crossings. The Spanish government says order was restored and that the returns system worked after many people left the city.
Ursula von der Leyen wrote a letter calling for action in five areas, including better cooperation with non-EU countries, stronger external borders, early warning systems, dismantling smuggling networks and boosting returns. Von der Leyen said she wished the EU had stronger monitoring at critical points.
Spain’s prime minister criticised other governments for failing to support his country. He said he wished other governments had offered more support during the crisis. EU interior ministers planned emergency talks to draw lessons from the crossings.
Key vocabulary
- Ceuta
- A Spanish city on the north coast of Africa, near Morocco.
- migrants
- People who move from one country to another, often to find a better life.
- border
- The official line or area that separates two countries.
- barrier
- A physical structure built to prevent or control movement.
- monitoring
- Careful watching or checking of a situation over time.
- returns
- The act of sending people back to their home country.
- smuggling
- The illegal movement of people or goods across borders.
- enclave
- A small territory or city that is surrounded by another country.
Comprehension check
Write your answer, reveal the model answer, then score yourself honestly.
1. Who asked for stronger EU borders?
2. Which Spanish enclave was affected by the crisis?
3. About how many people returned to Morocco?
4. Name two measures von der Leyen called for in her letter.
5. What did Spain’s prime minister say about other governments?
Grammar focus
Wish / if only
Use 'wish' + past perfect to express regret about a past event. This form shows that the speaker wants a different outcome for something that already happened.
- Von der Leyen said she wished the EU had stronger monitoring at critical points.
- He said he wished other governments had offered more support during the crisis.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the correct past perfect form (had + past participle) of the verb in brackets.
1. After the crossings, officials said they wished help had (arrive) __.
2. During the four days, ministers wished migrants had (leave) __ sooner.
3. After returns, Spain said it wished people had (return) __ faster.
4. After criticism, Sánchez said he wished others had (criticise) __ less.
5. Before the barrier, officials said they wished authorities had (install) __ earlier.
Discussion
For reflection or speaking practice — not graded.
- Do you agree with using physical barriers to control migration? Why or why not?
- How can countries balance border security and human rights in migration policy?
- What are the benefits and risks of offshore centres or strong external borders?
- How should EU countries cooperate to prevent smuggling networks?