EU migration chief claims Ceuta border crisis caused by criminal smuggling networks, disinformation

European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner attributed the recent Ceuta border crisis, which saw approximately 72,000 migrants enter Spain's North African enclave, to criminal smuggling networks and social media disinformation. Following an emergency meeting, EU interior ministers called for stronger action against these networks, enhanced return policies, and closer cooperation with non-EU countries to prevent future surges. Brunner noted an ongoing investigation into Morocco's role but praised their cooperation on returns, while some analysts questioned if Moroccan authorities used migration as political leverage, as seen in a May 2021 incident. Ministers also discussed better intelligence-sharing and social media monitoring to detect migration surges earlier. Denmark and Italy advocated for tougher measures, with Danish Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov stating, "We will not accept a repeat of the situation in 2015."