Denmark: Denmark is prepared to significantly tighten its border controls within hours if migrant flows begin moving through Europe, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Wednesday. Speaking during a parliamentary debate prompted by mass migrant arrivals in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, Frederiksen described images from the territory as 'disturbing," TV2 Nyheder reported. 'A strict immigration policy is crucial for Denmark and for Europe,' she told lawmakers.

According to Anadolu Agency, Frederiksen stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and would take immediate action if necessary. She emphasized that border controls could be increased significantly with only a few hours' notice. Frederiksen also supported the possibility of closing Europe's external borders under exceptional circumstances.

During the debate, Frederiksen was asked about her stance on proposals allowing EU countries to refuse asylum applications during severe pressure. She affirmed her support by stating, 'The idea of being able to close the border-we support it. So the answer is yes.' The Danish parliament convened the debate amid concerns that migrants arriving in Ceuta could subsequently move toward other European countries.

The discussion revealed divisions over Denmark's response. Some opposition parties called for permanent border controls, while the Danish People's Party advocated withdrawing from the Schengen area, which allows passport-free travel across much of Europe. Between July 29 and July 31, tens of thousands of Moroccans gathered near the border fence with Ceuta in a significant mass irregular migration attempt. Most of the migrants later returned to Morocco.

On Monday, Ceuta authorities reported that between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remained inside the enclave after more than 69,000 people had returned to Morocco following the mass crossing.