The European Parliament (EP) today considered that the extraordinary regularization approved by the Spanish Government had “an attractive effect” on the massive entry of migrants into Ceuta at the end of July.
© Getty Images/A. Perez Mecca/Europe Press
17/09/2026
by
Lusa
Na resolution adopted today during the plenary session of the EP in Strasbourg, France – which is not binding – MEPs state that the policy of large-scale regularisation pursued by the Spanish Prime Minister, Socialist Pedro Sánchez, was “a factor of attraction and sends a wrong signal to potential migrants and human traffic networks”, according to a statement.
MEPs want the European Commission to assess the possible cross-border impact of this type of national regime on secondary movements and the functioning of the Schengen area, of free movement.
In the text, adopted by 339 votes in favour, 225 against and 16 abstentions, the EP denounces that Ceuta was “invaded”, warning the instrumentalisation of migration as a hybrid weapon of war and demanding urgent action both to national and European authorities.
MEPs also pointed out that the Pact on Migration and Asylum has been in force since 12 June 2026, stressing Spain's responsibility for making full use of this legal and operational framework.
On the other hand, he supported the EP, the Moroccan authorities must fulfil their responsibilities and commitments on border management, return and migration cooperation.
More than 70,000 people entered Ceuta illegally from Morocco on 30 and 31 July in what the Spanish Government described as an attack and a violation of Spain's territorial integrity.
Most of these people voluntarily left Ceuta in the following hours and days, but remain in the city 13,000 migrants, according to local authorities.