Tensions cool between EU and Spain over crisis in Ceuta
by Barry Lenihan, https://www.facebook.com/rtenews/ · RTE.ieThe Government will likely breathe a sigh of relief as the political temperature surrounding Spain's handling of the migrant crisis in Ceuta cools after some fractious exchanges among EU member states in recent days.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan was forced to convene an emergency meeting of EU interior and justice ministers after the images of over 50,000 people swimming across the border from Morocco to the Spanish North African territory pushed immigration to the top of the agenda for Ireland's EU Presidency.
This morning's meeting came with Spain on the offensive - expressing annoyance at the lack of solidarity from other EU members and accusing some of turning the crisis into an attack on its Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Others wanted swift action against Madrid - with Italy and Denmark last week advocating for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen free-travel area over the crisis; 20 other countries joined them in saying the EU should continue pressing their tough line on immigration, seemingly at odds with Spain's open stance on migration.
Ireland was stuck in the middle, facing one of the first major tests of its presidency.
But, in the end, cool heads prevailed.
Mr O'Callaghan noted after this morning's gathering how ministers "discussed how best to stand in solidarity with Spain and protect our external borders from illegal migration".
"The EU's external borders are our shared responsibility, and migration requires a united European response. Today's meeting provided an important opportunity for member states to assess the tools already at our disposal, identify where further cooperation is needed, and advance our collective preparations ahead of the next ministerial meeting and the European Council in October.", he added after chairing the meeting.
The Spanish Interior Minister described the meeting as "constructive" while the EU's migration chief Magnus Brunner, thanked Spain for restoring order at Ceuta.
Mr Brunner also confirmed how return hubs were mentioned by some EU member states in the call - offshore facilities to process people while they await deportation to their home countries.
Mr O'Callaghan has previously said he would not rule out using return hubs, but Taoiseach Micheál Martin last month indicated that Ireland currently has no plans to do so. This proposal is likely to prompt further discussion during Ireland's presidency.
Overall, the Government will be pleased to navigate the first major hint of crisis of its latest term at the helm of the European Council.
However, images in Ceuta highlight how events far away from Dáil Éireann may preoccupy ministerial minds in the months ahead at a time when the Opposition will seek to put the Coalition on the back foot on the cost of living and other domestic issues in the run-up to October's Budget.