Spain: Spain's foreign minister issued a stark warning to migrants contemplating irregular crossings into Ceuta, driven by misleading social media calls for a mass entry on August 15. During a visit to the Spanish enclave, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares urged individuals from Morocco and Africa to avoid risking their lives on this perilous journey, stressing that such actions are "doomed to failure."

According to Anadolu Agency, Spanish authorities are ramping up security measures ahead of the anticipated date. The military has revoked leave for personnel in Ceuta starting Thursday, and the Civil Guard has similarly halted vacations and permits for officers in both Ceuta and Melilla. These precautions follow the unprecedented crossings at the end of July, when approximately 72,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco, based on figures from the Spanish government. Although Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres suggested a higher count of 80,000, government sources later confirmed the official estimate remains 72,000.

Despite most returning to Morocco, Ceuta President Juan Jesus Vivas reported that around 10,000 individuals remain in irregular conditions within the city. In response, Albares emphasized Spain's collaboration with Morocco to expedite returns, noting Morocco's willingness to accept those who entered irregularly. Vivas supported this stance, highlighting the need to dismantle the belief that reaching Ceuta could result in residency or asylum.

Albares further advocated for increased EU support, characterizing the Europe-Africa border as exceptionally complex and in need of greater European "solidarity." He assured that none of the individuals who crossed irregularly have moved to mainland Spain or beyond, citing Ceuta's stringent border controls.

Additionally, Albares criticized Italy for its recent border controls on travelers from Spain, attributing the decision to "partisan interests" and "electoral needs."