She Also Welcomed Spain's Additional Deterrent Measures, Including a Pneumatic Barrier Installed Saturday on Ceuta's Coast

Spain's government, however, has avoided any snub to Morocco, blaming only smuggling mafias for the "avalanche" of 50,000 to 60,000 people who arrived in Ceuta within hours, according to Interior Ministry figures. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reiterated Monday that Morocco cooperated "from the first moment. Von der Leyen praised both Spanish and Moroccan authorities for acting "efficiently and effectively" to prevent illegal movements to mainland Spain and the rest of Europe, saying their "decisive action" was crucial to avoid further deterioration and loss of life.

She also welcomed Spain's additional deterrent measures, including a pneumatic barrier installed Saturday on Ceuta's coast. The letter did not mention a separate Saturday letter from 22 EU member states, led by Italy and Denmark, questioning Spain's migration policy and urging Brussels to take charge. Von der Leyen said Frontex, Europol, and the EU Asylum Agency are ready to provide support, and called Tuesday's videoconference of the Justice and Home Affairs Council "a first step" toward a collective roadmap focusing on five priorities: preventing irregular migration, strengthening external borders, early warning systems, dismantling trafficking networks, and enhancing returns. Moncloa sources highlighted that Von der Leyen recognized the Spanish government's "effective management" of the crisis and offered concrete cooperation with Morocco."