<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield participated in an extraordinary online Home Affairs Council on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, convened to discuss the recent migratory developments in Ceuta, Spain’s autonomous city on the North African coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, Minister Bedingfield expressed Malta’s full solidarity with Spain and welcomed the swift and decisive response of the Spanish authorities, in close cooperation with Morocco, to restore order and regain control of the situation. He commended Spain’s rapid implementation of voluntary returns for the vast majority of those who had entered Ceuta irregularly, as well as the immediate measures taken to strengthen border management and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister noted that the events in Ceuta demonstrate how quickly migratory pressures can emerge and evolve, underlining the need for constant vigilance, preparedness and adaptability. He stressed that the immediate priority must be to ensure that Spain maintains full control of its external border, with the support of EU agencies and instruments where necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Bedingfield underlined that the European Union already possesses the legal framework, operational tools and agencies required to address migratory pressures effectively. Rather than creating new mechanisms, he argued, efforts should focus on making faster and more effective use of the instruments already available to support Member States facing pressure at the Union’s external borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also called for a comprehensive and balanced migration policy that is tough on irregular migration and equally tough on its root causes. This, he said, requires stronger protection of the external borders, intensified action against migrant smugglers and criminal networks, more effective return procedures, and deeper cooperation with countries of origin and transit. Such partnerships remain essential for preventing irregular departures, managing migratory pressures and facilitating returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reaffirming that irregular migration is a shared European challenge, Minister Bedingfield called for a united response based on solidarity, practical cooperation and a fair sharing of responsibility among Member States. He further stressed the need to continue advancing innovative solutions, including return hubs, while strengthening the effectiveness of the EU return system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister also reaffirmed that Member States must retain the authority to determine who may enter and remain in their territory, in accordance with EU and national law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Now is the time to stand united as a Union. Together, we must support Member States under pressure, safeguard the integrity of the EU’s external borders, and demonstrate that we can respond effectively to migratory challenges while addressing their root causes,” Minister Bedingfield concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo: MHS<\/em><\/p>\n