Ceuta asks EU for help after deadly migrant surge

Ceuta regional president Juan Jesus Vivas asked the European Union on Tuesday for more help after a deadly migrant surge into Spain's North African enclave over the summer.

More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31. Scores died, most by drowning as they tried to swim around a breakwater.

Vivas told lawmakers in the European Parliament that Ceuta was now a “pressure cooker” and said the situation was unsustainable. He called for the EU border agency Frontex to set up a permanent representation in the territory and for Brussels to help pay for stronger border infrastructure.

Spain has already requested emergency assistance from the EU. Brussels said Tuesday it was working on the request and that EU migration chief Magnus Brunner was due to meet Vivas and Spain's foreign minister.

Vivas accused Morocco of complicity or consent in the surge. Spain's top criminal court opened an investigation on Monday into the deadly rush, alleging it was facilitated by Morocco and pointing to failings by Moroccan police.

Spain's government says there is no solid proof that the surge was planned by Morocco. Rabat has claimed sovereignty over Ceuta and Spain's other North African territory, Melilla, since gaining independence in 1956.

Most migrants who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco, but thousands remain in difficult conditions, increasing tensions in the small city and creating a political storm for Spain's government.