German Minister Slams Morocco Over Migrant Crisis in Spanish Enclave

"The EU helps countries like Morocco to give their young people a perspective, to create jobs. But I have the impression that young people without prospects are becoming a political bargaining chip for the leaders," he said in an interview with the newspaper El Pais. According to him, the "EU must not allow itself to be subjected to blackmail".

Between 8,000 and 9,000 illegal migrants had entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the beginning of last week, causing concerns for both the Spanish authorities and their neighbors. To prevent such a situation from recurring in the future, the German Minister of State said that "a European pact on migration and asylum is more urgent than ever".

"What we urgently need is a common European policy on migration and asylum. We have to keep the issue in mind. And we must not allow certain Member States to turn a blind eye or categorically refuse to find a solution," he added, noting that Europe is "lagging behind on fundamental reforms of migration and asylum policy".