Commission president responds after Spanish PM accuses some European leaders of attacking him instead of offering solidarity.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Morocco was “an important strategic partner” in stopping illegal migration as Europe looks to tighten its borders.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Morocco was “an important strategic partner” in stopping illegal migration as Europe looks to tighten its borders.

BRUSSELS, Aug 3 - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Monday that the European Union further strengthen its borders and increase support for Morocco to help prevent a repeat of the chaotic influx of 50,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

While Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has avoided blaming Rabat, politicians from both left and right insist Morocco has questions to answer.

Madrid will press its case for more solidarity, as ministers discuss lessons learned, tighter external-border controls and possible new EU measures this fall.

Morocco's interior ministry on Sunday issued its first toll for those who died trying to reach Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta last week, saying 11 people had died. The figures are significantly lower than those issued by Spain, which says at least 72 people died.

Officials estimate that more than 49,000 people crossed between Morocco and Ceuta in a 24-hour period.