The tragic loss of life in Ceuta demands truth before politics. We need full clarity on what happened, how the situation escalated, the role of criminal smuggling networks, the impact of misinformation, whether there was any deliberate instrumentalisation of migration for political purposes, and whether there were operational or political shortcomings. Europe owes the victims and their families the truth.
Europe has a responsibility to manage and protect its external borders effectively. This responsibility goes hand in hand with full respect for the rule of law, fundamental rights and international obligations. Security and our European values are not mutually exclusive.
We are deeply concerned that, even before all the facts are established, this tragedy has already become the subject of political polarisation across Europe. We reject attempts to exploit a human tragedy for political gain. The political narrative promoted by Giorgia Meloni has contributed to an increasingly polarised European debate. Others have since reinforced that polarisation for different reasons and with different political objectives. Europe now needs to establish the facts and work towards a common European response.
We reject attempts to turn this tragedy into a confrontation between Member States or to undermine Schengen. A strong Schengen area depends on trust, solidarity and effective management of the Union’s external borders. It cannot be defended through unilateral reactions or political confrontation. Tuesday’s extraordinary meeting of EU Interior Ministers must reinforce solidarity between Member States, strengthen cooperation at the Union’s external borders, intensify the fight against criminal smuggling networks, preserve the integrity of Schengen and ensure that every measure taken fully respects EU law and fundamental rights.
Behind these events are thousands of people whose lives have been shaped by conflict, persecution, poverty, inequality and a lack of opportunities. Europe must never lose sight of their human dignity.
Europe cannot afford to govern migration one crisis at a time. We need a comprehensive European migration policy that combines secure and well managed external borders, decisive action against criminal smuggling networks, full respect for the rule of law, European solidarity and long term action to address the drivers of forced migration, including conflict, repression, poverty, instability and the growing impacts of climate change.
Only such a comprehensive approach will enable Europe to move from reacting to crises to preventing them, preventing further tragedies and further loss of life in the Mediterranean.
