European Parliament Urges Spain and Morocco to Accelerate Ceuta Migrant Deportations

The European Parliament has approved a non-binding text urging Spain and Morocco to accelerate the return of irregular migrants who entered the North African enclave of Ceuta in July.

Key points

• The text was advanced by the European People's Party (center-right) and passed with 339 votes in favor, 225 against, and 16 abstentions.
• The resolution condemns mass and illegal border crossings by land and sea, criticizing the use of irregular migration against a member state's territorial integrity.
• Three right-wing populist parties supported the text alongside the European People's Party, while three left-wing parties voted against it.

Why it matters

This parliamentary resolution highlights ongoing tensions surrounding migration management and border security at Europe's southern borders with North Africa.