Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the situation in Ceuta

In a press release on 31 July 2026 which was published on the government’s website concerning the current situation in Ceuta, Chancellor Friedrich Merz made the following statement: 

“Protecting the external borders of the EU is crucial to combating illegal migration. I clearly expect all EU Member States to fulfil this obligation. We are in contact with the Spanish Government on this matter. Spain wants to, and has to, regain control of the situation in Ceuta as soon as possible. I therefore welcome Spain’s intention to not allow illegal migrants onto the European mainland. We expect Morocco to take back the illegal migrants without delay. It is good that the European Commission and Commissioner Magnus Brunner have pledged their support for this. The Return Regulation adopted in June must now be implemented immediately and in full.”