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On August 1, 2026, Italy and Denmark launched a joint diplomatic initiative addressed to the heads of the European Union institutions following recent developments at the European external border in Ceuta. The proposal, supported by a total of twenty-two Heads of State and Government, was formalized in a letter addressed to the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President-in-Office of the Council of the European Union, Micheál Martin. The primary objective of the document is to urge a timely and coordinated response from the European institutions to a situation deemed particularly critical for the management of the Union’s external borders.
REASONS FOR THE REQUEST FOR EUROPEAN INTERVENTION
The signatories express deep concern over the events in Ceuta, which they interpret as a direct challenge to the integrity of the European Union’s external borders. According to the shared position of the twenty-two leaders, criminal networks engaged in migrant smuggling are exploiting the most recent circumstances to facilitate irregular crossings and put pressure on the European migration and asylum management system. The document also notes that a recent decision by the Spanish Supreme Court has been used as a factor that could facilitate these dynamics, contributing to a distorted use of migration and international protection legislation. In this context, the signatory states emphasize the need to strengthen action to combat irregular immigration through greater coordination between Member States, the consolidation of external borders, and the review of policies considered potential pull factors, including the large-scale regularization of foreign nationals present illegally.
BORDER PROTECTION AND THE PREVENTION OF IRREGULAR MOVEMENTS
A central element of the initiative is the desire to prevent uncontrolled mass crossings, the exploitation of migration, or other forms of hybrid threats from fueling the belief that an illegal entry into the European Union could subsequently be transformed into a legal stay. According to the signatories, such a perception would constitute an incentive for further attempts at irregular entry, undermine citizens’ trust in the common European migration policy, and have negative effects on all Member States. The situation is also linked to the importance of the Chisinau Declaration on Migration, whose rapid and effective implementation is hoped for as a fundamental tool for strengthening European cooperation in managing migration flows.
REQUEST FOR A COORDINATED EUROPEAN UNION RESPONSE
In light of the gravity of the events, the letter proposes that the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union urgently convene an extraordinary videoconference of Interior Ministers. This meeting should allow for a shared assessment of the situation and the definition of a common strategy capable of ensuring a coordinated European response. The measures envisaged include the rapid mobilization of tools already available at the European Union level, along with increased support for Spain to reestablish effective control of the external border and prevent further irregular crossings. Particular attention is given to the possible increase in Frontex operational support and to assessing the effectiveness of cooperation between the EU and Morocco in managing control and repatriation activities.
COOPERATION WITH SPAIN AND MOROCCO
The signatories express appreciation for the collaboration established between Spain and Morocco to ensure the rapid repatriation of migrants who entered irregularly through Ceuta. The document highlights how a significant number of people have already been returned to their country of origin or transit and expresses confidence that, thanks also to the support of the European Union, the situation can be quickly brought under full control. It also notes that, at the time of writing, no unauthorized secondary movements to other European states had been recorded. Nonetheless, the twenty-two leaders reiterate their willingness to adopt, in compliance with EU law and the Schengen Borders Code, all measures deemed necessary to protect public order and address any risks arising from secondary movements, including the strengthening or temporary reintroduction of internal border controls.
EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY AND POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR THE INITIATIVE
The letter finally recalls the consolidated guidelines of the European Council, according to which the protection of the Union’s external borders, the prevention of irregular immigration, the fight against secondary movements, and support for the most vulnerable states are responsibilities shared by all Member States. From this perspective, managing the Ceuta crisis is presented as a challenge requiring political unity, determination, and rapid decision-making. Through this joint position, the twenty-two European leaders urge the main Union institutions to play a leading role in ensuring a rapid, effective, and fully coordinated response to the situation at Ceuta’s external border.