European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the European Union could provide more support to Morocco to strengthen border management, following a diplomatic spat over the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Speaking after a phone call with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, von der Leyen stressed the need for "close cooperation" with Morocco to prevent irregular migration and enhance border security. She added that the EU stands ready to "reinforce its support" to Morocco in this area.
The comments come after Spain and Morocco clashed over the status of Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast. The dispute escalated when Morocco summoned its ambassador to Spain for consultations, and Spain accused Morocco of using migration as a political tool.
Von der Leyen's proposal was welcomed by Sánchez, who reiterated Spain's commitment to maintaining "fluid and constructive" relations with Morocco. The EU has previously provided financial and technical assistance to Morocco for border management, but the exact details of the new support package were not disclosed.
