Following an extraordinary EU ministers' meeting, Croatia's Interior Minister stated that smuggling has evolved into a security issue and welcomed the introduction of the concept of safe third countries.
An extraordinary meeting of European Union interior ministers, held on Tuesday, was dedicated to the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, with Croatian Minister Davor Božinović in attendance. After the meeting, which he attended from Zadar, Božinović reported that ministers praised Spain's swift response in bringing the crisis under control, emphasizing that this is a priority European issue.
Last week, at least 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta illegally, and according to data from Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, around 70,000 have already returned to Morocco. Only a few thousand people remain in the enclave, which covers 18 square kilometers. "It is clear that the Schengen area was in no way threatened by this crisis," Grande-Marlaska stated.
Božinović highlighted the importance of the meeting being convened quickly, as it shows that all EU member states are beginning to take this issue very seriously. He noted that Spain, along with 22 countries including Croatia, has taken the stance that this issue should be discussed at the European level. "This sends a message that what can happen to one EU member state is no longer just its own issue but a matter for the entire Union," he said.
The minister warned that migrant smuggling has turned into a dangerous business model that threatens security and directly endangers lives. "In just these few days in Ceuta, more than 70 migrants have lost their lives. They lost their lives precisely because they listened to false news and because they placed their fate in the hands of those who encouraged them in that direction," he said. According to official data, the death toll has risen to 75.
Božinović welcomed the fact that the European Commission has, for the first time, put the concept of safe third countries on the table, something Croatia has always advocated. "We are faced with arrivals from countries that are several thousand kilometers away from Croatia. To reach Croatia, these migrants must pass through many countries that are actually safe," he said, adding that asylum should be sought in the first safe country.
He also stressed the importance of full implementation of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, which Croatia has applied from day one, and announced a more coordinated European response with stronger involvement of the Frontex agency. The next regular ministerial meeting is scheduled for early October, followed by the European Council.
The Croatian minister also provided specific figures on investments in police equipment. "We started with 85 million euros under a previous government's mandate, and we have already increased that to 350 million for the border itself, and the next financial perspective suggests that Croatia could receive 1.3 billion euros for withdrawal," Božinović said, announcing the strengthening of radar systems and other technical solutions at the border.
The pressure from smugglers does not let up, but police effectiveness is also increasing. Just until last night, Croatian services had apprehended 698 smugglers this year, a jump from 645 just a few days earlier. "In doing so, we are not only sending a clear message to the migrant population and smuggling networks that entering Croatia will not be easy or possible, but that it will become increasingly difficult," the minister concluded.
While the EU offered support, part of the international community sharply criticized Madrid. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suspended the Schengen regime with Spain, and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke of a "catastrophe" and an "invasion." European Parliament member Stephen Bartulica accused the Spanish government of causing the crisis, while Pope Leo XIV called for a fair solution.
Spanish Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration Elma Saiz announced on Tuesday an additional 25 million euros for Ceuta, particularly for the care of unaccompanied migrant minors. "The government has been and will continue to stand by Ceuta, especially in supporting the most vulnerable," she stated. These funds come in addition to the 5.5 million euros already approved during Spain's July sectoral conference on children and adolescents.
