Tusk Urges Spain to Follow Poland's Example on the Border

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called on Spain to respond firmly to the mass influx of migrants into the enclave of Ceuta. According to him, Madrid should use Warsaw's experience in countering migration pressure from Belarus.

In a statement on social network X, Tusk noted that Spain must immediately ensure the impermeability of the European Union's external border and prevent its uncontrolled crossing.

The Polish prime minister described what happened on the Polish-Belarusian border as "migrant blackmail". Warsaw accuses the Belarusian authorities of organizing an artificial migration route to destabilize Poland and other EU countries.

Tusk stressed that the future of the Schengen zone depends on the ability of European states to control external borders. Free movement within it, in his opinion, cannot be preserved without effective protection of the EU’s borders.

Since 2021, Poland has been strengthening its border with Belarus. The authorities have erected a physical barrier, expanded the electronic surveillance system, and deployed additional army and border guard units to the border areas.

Additionally, the Polish government has extended temporary controls on its borders with Germany and Lithuania until October 1, 2026. The decision was explained by the need to limit illegal migration along a route linked to pressure from Belarus.

The migration crisis in Ceuta began after around 60,000 people entered Spanish territory from Morocco in a single day. Spain sent military and additional police units to the enclave. According to local authorities, at least 41 people died during attempts to cross the border, and about half of those who arrived subsequently returned to Morocco.

The events in Ceuta have sparked debates within the European Union about the protection of external borders and the preservation of free movement. Several European countries called for stricter checks, while the Spanish authorities said they would speed up the return of illegal migrants and continue cooperation with Morocco.

Based on: Donald Tusk