Spain Relents on Migrant Children in Ceuta Amid Border Control Push

Spain's government has reversed its initial stance, announcing it will allow approximately 500 unaccompanied migrant children who arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta to relocate to the mainland. This decision comes after a significant influx of an estimated 70,000 people who crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, though most have since returned. Under Spanish law, the state is obligated to care for unaccompanied minors until they reach adulthood.

Meanwhile, across Europe, efforts to control irregular migration continue. In Germany, authorities have conducted raids targeting gangs involved in smuggling migrants via small boats, seizing equipment like dinghies and life jackets under new legislation. The UK's Liberal Democrats are advocating for participation in an EU migration pact, suggesting it could disrupt the business model of criminal organizations facilitating Channel crossings. Separately, a Swedish MP has raised concerns about the deportation of elderly Britons residing in Sweden for decades, citing potential damage to bilateral relations as the UK seeks to strengthen ties with London.