Germany's Merz demands Morocco 'take back illegal migrants immediately' from Spain's Ceuta
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has demanded that Morocco immediately take back migrants who entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, as a massive border crisis puts new pressure on Europe’s migration policies.
Merz said Germany supports Spain’s efforts to prevent irregular migrants from reaching mainland Europe and called on Morocco to cooperate by accepting the returns. His comments came after thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, creating one of the most serious migration incidents in the region in recent years.
The sudden influx overwhelmed local authorities in Ceuta, a Spanish territory located on the North African coast. Reports said tens of thousands attempted to enter the enclave by land and sea, with many migrants swimming around border barriers. The crisis also resulted in dozens of deaths during dangerous crossing attempts.
Spain responded by increasing security measures and working with Moroccan authorities on returns. Spanish officials said many migrants had already returned to Morocco, while European leaders warned that the situation showed the need for stronger protection of the European Union’s external borders.
The incident has reignited political debates across Europe over migration control, border security and cooperation with neighboring countries. Merz’s statement reflects Germany’s tougher approach toward irregular migration, with Berlin urging faster deportations and closer coordination between EU member states and countries outside the bloc.