The European Commission demands that Spain protect migrant minors in Ceuta and requests their return to Morocco

The European Commission stated this Thursday that Spain has the "duty" to guarantee the protection of unaccompanied migrant minors who crossed into Ceuta, while insisting on its "clear expectation" that all migrants who entered the autonomous city irregularly will be returned to Morocco.

"The protection of vulnerable minors must be guaranteed. And this is, of course, a duty of the State, in this case of the Spanish authorities, to guarantee it," said the spokesman for the Community Executive on Internal Affairs, Markus Lammert, in a press conference from Brussels.

He did so when asked about the Spanish Government's announcement to bring 500 underage girls to the peninsula, information that, as Lammert confirmed, the Commission has learned about through "information published in the media", while they wait to "receive more information" from the Spanish authorities "about their plans".

In this sense, the community spokesperson has reiterated the "clear expectation" that "all migrants who have entered Ceuta illegally will be returned to Morocco", which also includes migrant minors.

"The Commission is working intensively, both with Spain and Morocco, to help achieve their return to Morocco in full respect of EU and International Law," added Lammert, underlining the need for "returns to occur effectively."

He has also mentioned the importance of Ceuta having reinforced border controls. "We need to see this happen. Member States are also asking to see this happen," he added, again offering support to Madrid and Rabat to ensure that the border is stronger.

They have "yet" not received a request for help from Spain

In another vein, asked whether the Commission has received any request for assistance from Spain in relation to Ceuta, the Community Executive has responded that it is "working closely" with the Spanish Government "to help them finalize their request."