The European Commission announces measures following the crisis in Ceuta

The European Commission has proposed a five-point plan to strengthen the security and resilience of the European Union’s external borders and to manage sudden and massive irregular arrivals. The initiative will be presented to the Member States at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 1 and 2 October 2026.

The plan responds to recent pressures at the EU’s eastern borders and in the Mediterranean, including this summer’s crisis in Ceuta. Although irregular crossings are at their lowest level since 2021, the Commission warns that emergencies can arise quickly.

The first strand provides for intensified cooperation with partner countries, including through early-warning mechanisms and initiatives for jobs aimed at young people. The second seeks to strengthen the borders and extend Frontex’s mandate through a larger standing corps, increased monitoring and additional responsibilities in the area of returns.

The Commission also proposes monitoring social networks, rapidly transmitting information to EUROSUR, combating disinformation and dismantling migrant-smuggling networks. The fifth strand focuses on accelerating returns, cooperation with third countries and the digitalisation of procedures. Implementation will require coordinated action by the Member States, European agencies and the Commission.