The European Commission defended this Tuesday that all migrants remaining in Ceuta should be returned to Morocco, including unaccompanied foreign minors who crossed into the autonomous city, arguing that European Union law also contemplates their return. “We continue to insist that the expectation is that all those who remain illegally in Ceuta will be returned,” said the Commission spokesperson on Internal Affairs, Markus Lammert, at a press conference from Brussels, who welcomed the Spanish Government’s statements that no one who remains illegally in Ceuta will be transferred to the Iberian Peninsula.
Asked whether when he refers to “everyone” he also includes minors, overlooking the special protection granted by community law, he responded that “this is regulated by EU law” and that the directive approved in June includes provisions for the return of migrants in irregular situations, “including unaccompanied minors.” “So this is also covered by EU law,” he added.
Lammert insisted that the expectation of the community executive is that “all those who remain illegally in Ceuta will be returned” and that Spanish and Moroccan authorities work to ensure that these returns take place “effectively.”
After taking note of Morocco’s intention to facilitate the returns of all unaccompanied foreign minors, Lammert reiterated Brussels’ offer to “facilitate and support” this process, and welcomed Spain’s announcement to increase reception capacity to address “the humanitarian situation” of irregular migrants.
