France Increases Border Controls with Spain

France announced today that it will increase border controls with Spain.

At least 18 migrants have died attempting to reach the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where Spain has deployed the military after several thousand people breached the border with Morocco and entered the small territory.

„In light of the situation in the enclave of Ceuta, last night I gave instructions to immediately strengthen controls at the Spanish border. Furthermore, I am activating the Rapid Border Intervention Forces for thorough checks,“ stated French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez on the social network X.

Earlier, Marine Le Pen, presidential candidate of France’s far-right National Rally party, called for stricter border controls and accused the Spanish authorities of encouraging the influx of migrants.

„Faced with the massive and coordinated influx of migrants into Spain, which is encouraged by the Spanish government, France must immediately strengthen border controls. And in 2027, we will put an end to this madness by limiting free movement within the Schengen Area only to EU citizens,“ Le Pen stated in a post on X.

The French presidential elections are scheduled for 2027, and Le Pen is currently leading in the polls.

Former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier made a similar call as Le Pen.

In a post on X, he called for the use of the European Union’s Return Directive.

„Now is the time to turn law into action: anyone who is illegally present and has no legal right to stay must be effectively returned. France cannot bear the consequences of its neighbors’ migration policies. If a member state makes decisions that create a pull factor for illegal migration, we must be able to immediately protect our borders, especially with Spain,“ Barnier stated.

He added that immigration control is a prerequisite for sovereignty and security, as well as trust among European countries.

Barnier stated in his post that the existing rules must be strictly enforced, in the interest of France and Europe.