Resolution on the recent hybrid attacks and instrumentalisation of migrants in Ceuta and the need for a coordinated response to protect the EU’s external borders

The European Parliament adopted by 339 votes 225, with 16 abstentions, a resolution on the recent hybrid attacks and instrumentalisation of migrants in Ceuta and the need for a coordinated response to protect the EU’s external borders.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP group.

Between 29 and 31 July 2026, approximately 80 000 migrants crossed irregularly into Ceuta from Morocco, by land and sea, and several hundred crossed into Melilla. At least 141 people died during the crossing and up to 11 000 irregular migrants refused to return to Morocco and remain in Ceuta. The exact number of deaths and crossings and the identities of those remaining are still unknown.

Parliament paid tribute to and expressed full support for the people of Ceuta and Melilla, who have long embodied a living example of coexistence between people of different cultures, origins and religions. It stressed that this coexistence is not merely a social reality but a daily affirmation of the rule of law, equal rights and the common values that lie at the heart of the European project.

The resolution condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the mass illegal crossings into Ceuta from Morocco, by land and by sea, and the instrumentalisation of irregular migration as a tool of hybrid warfare against the territorial integrity of a Member State. It considered it of the utmost priority to strengthen the protection of the EU’s external land and maritime borders in Ceuta.

Parliament expressed serious concern at the large-scale regularisation policy pursued by the Government of President Pedro Sánchez, which acts as a pull factor and sends the wrong signal to potential migrants and criminal smuggling networks. It stressed that illegal entry must never become a shortcut to legal residence. The Commission is called on to assess, in cooperation with the Member States, the possible cross-border impact of national mass regularisation schemes on secondary movements and the functioning and security of the Schengen area.

Members reaffirmed that the preservation of the Schengen area requires the EU to ensure the effective protection of its external borders and requires all Member States to fully assume their responsibilities in preventing and combating migrant smuggling. In this regard, they welcomed the Commission’s swift decision to grant Spain EUR 114.7 million in emergency assistance to help manage the crisis in Ceuta and called on the Spanish Government to make full and effective use of these funds, as well as the material resources and operational support from EU agencies offered by the Commission, to restore normality, improve conditions and accelerate returns.

Parliament called on the Commission and all Member States to increase funding, including for external border protection infrastructure, enhance Frontex’s capabilities and ensure that all instruments are swiftly deployable in situations of crisis, hybrid threats or instrumentalisation.

Noting that the Pact on Migration and Asylum has been applicable since 12 June 2026, Members underlined Spain’s responsibility to make full use of this legal and operational framework. They demanded the swift return of all those who have no right to remain in the EU, including unaccompanied minors, in full compliance with EU and international law.

Parliament called on Morocco to fulfil their responsibilities as a key partner of the European Union and honour their commitments on border management, return and migration cooperation.

Lastly, Parliament called on Spain, with the support of the Council and the Commission, to draw up a proposal setting out the necessary EU regulatory and financial mechanisms required to strengthen the security, stability and development of the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, taking into account the particular circumstances, risks and threats that both cities face.