The ECR Group has secured a debate and resolution on illegal migration and pressure on Europe’s external borders at next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Conference of Presidents, which sets Parliament’s plenary agenda, agreed to include the item for debate on Tuesday at midday.

ECR Group Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said after the meeting:

“The crisis in Ceuta is not over. Around 5,000 migrants are still estimated to be in Ceuta. Serious questions about how this large-scale illegal entry was allowed to happen remain unanswered. These events must be fully investigated, the failures addressed and the necessary lessons drawn to ensure that such a situation is never repeated.

“What happened in Ceuta is a warning for Europe as a whole and another example of what happens when migration policy sends the wrong signals. Pedro Sánchez’s policy of mass regularisation has helped create the expectation that illegal entry may ultimately be rewarded with legal status.

“We cannot abandon Ceuta or any other part of Europe’s external border. Illegal migration is one of the defining challenges for Europe’s future. Europe must regain control, strengthen Frontex, support frontline Member States and swiftly return those who have no right to remain. Illegal entry must never become a shortcut to legal residence.”