EU Official: Morocco’s Ceuta Crisis Was ’Attack’ on EU Border

"I believe I was the first to clearly state that this was an attack on the external border of the European Union," Schinas recalled this week during a press conference with Spanish journalists in Strasbourg. For the European Commission Vice-President, "the strong reaction of the EU has helped to calm Morocco’s ardor" and to quickly end the migration crisis in Ceuta, reports ABC.

To read: European Parliament Condemns Morocco’s Use of Migrants as ’Political Pressure’ in Ceuta Crisis

However, the episode was not easy for Brussels, says Schinas. "These were very difficult days, in the sense that it happened very suddenly. There were no prior signs or movements, which shows that it was entirely designed to be a frontal attack," he explains, avoiding to comment on the reasons that led Rabat to let hundreds of migrants through to Ceuta. This issue has always been secondary for Brussels because nothing justifies an attack of this magnitude, he specifies. "What we saw was an attack on the external border of the European Union. An organized, premeditated and hybrid attack," Schinas added.

To read: Morocco’s Anti-Terror Expertise Aids Greek Authorities in Key Arrest

"Morocco, like all our neighbors, must realize that no one can blackmail Europe, that migration is part of diplomatic relations. Moreover, Rabat is one of the major beneficiaries of European aid," Schinas also stressed. In early June, the European Parliament held Morocco responsible for the Ceuta crisis and condemned Rabat for instrumentalizing migrants, mostly minors, "for political purposes". The resolution had been adopted by a large majority of 397 votes in favor, 85 against and 196 abstentions. "The political message was clear. Morocco had everything to gain by working with Europe rather than against Europe," Schinas reiterated.