Brussels proposes new emergency mechanism in the EU after Ceuta crisis

“ The events of this summer show that our instruments need to evolve, especially in emergency situations. Europe needs the means to protect its borders at all times, especially in scenarios where mass movements are orchestrated and instrumentalised, and that is why we will propose a new European Emergency Response Framework”, said Ursula von der Leyen.

Speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament, in the French city of Strasbourg, in what was her second speech from the State of the Union of the new mandate, she explained that “this mechanism will only be triggered by a set of strictly defined criteria”.

In such cases, “it will allow for limited flexibility in time and rigorously defined in relation to the usual procedures,” he added.

Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “the message of Europe is clear”.

“ We will always respect our values and fundamental rights, but we will never hesitate to protect our borders. It is we Europeans who decide who enters our Union and under what circumstances and not the smugglers and traffickers,” he said.

The crisis in Ceuta began at the end of July, when at least 70,000 people crossed the border from Morocco, in a mass entry that put the Spanish authorities and the reception services under strong pressure.

The European Commission subsequently provided EUR 114,7 million in emergency aid to Spain and mobilised support from Frontex, Europol and the European Union Asylum Agency.

In today's speech, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the EU's external borders are European borders – including Ceuta's Spanish enclave – and advocated a common response to migration through the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.

“ After years of work, we finally have a common European framework, a framework that assigns responsibility to everyone, demands solidarity from everyone and now needs to be fully implemented,” he said.

The President of the European Commission added that the EU is “on the right track”, as there has been a 55% reduction in irregular arrivals over the past two years and a further 35% reduction this year, which is “real progress”.

“ Throughout this speech, I spoke about the need for Europe to act together or to risk disintegrating and, once again, this summer, this reality has been put to the test at our borders,” he said.

Von der Leyen also advocated strengthening Frontex and the mechanisms for alerting and anticipating migratory movements, as well as greater cooperation with third countries to combat the causes of irregular migration by announcing a new initiative to promote skills and employment among young people in the Mediterranean.

The address on the State of the Union shall be given annually by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament at the first plenary session after the holidays in the French city of Strasbourg and shall serve to take stock of the Community activity and present priorities for the following year.

Established in 2010, after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the speech is followed by a debate with MEPs.