The Spanish government has declared the situation in Ceuta a “national security interest” as authorities move to strengthen coordination over the return of migrants to Morocco.
The decision followed a special security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Moncloa Palace on Tuesday morning, after which the Cabinet also met to discuss the situation.
Addressing journalists after the meetings, Spain’s Minister for Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, who has been appointed coordinator of the new body, outlined measures aimed at ensuring a more coordinated response among the authorities involved.
Torres said the safe and orderly return of migrants and unaccompanied minors still in Ceuta would be treated as a priority, while stressing that any process must comply with international law and protect human rights.
He said the newly established body would bring together relevant authorities to coordinate efforts and oversee the situation in the Spanish enclave on Morocco’s northern coast.
The move comes amid heightened attention to migration in Ceuta, a Spanish territory bordering Morocco, where authorities have faced repeated challenges over migrant arrivals and the management of returns.
