Several European countries, led by Italy and Denmark, had criticised Spain’s actions and even called for the country to be suspended from the Schengen Area. The Madrid government openly expressed that they were not pleased with this. Grande-Marlaska indicated after the meeting that the Schengen Area “was in no way compromised”. “Schengen has never been in danger, not even slightly,” he added.<\/p>\n
The Irish Minister for Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, who chaired the meeting, emphasised that all member states had expressed their solidarity. Denmark stated that it was “very satisfied” with Spain’s swift response. “But these events demonstrate that it is absolutely essential that we maintain control over the European Union’s external borders,” said Danish Minister for Migration Morten B\u00f8dskov.<\/p>\n
Belgian minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA) advocated for the protection of the European external borders during European consultations on the situation in Ceuta. She wrote this on LinkedIn on Tuesday following the emergency meeting.<\/p>\n
According to Van Bossuyt, the European ministers agreed on solidarity with Spain and on the need for a more decisive EU policy. Read: better border protection, combating illegal migration, and closer cooperation with countries of origin.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, Van Bossuyt urged for more European resources for border control, a greater role for border agency Frontex, and a tougher approach to human smugglers. “Illegal border crossings must never lead to a right of residence,” stated the minister.<\/p>\n