In a significant event, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has blamed trafficking gangs following the arrival of approximately 60,000 migrants in the Spanish city of Ceuta from Morocco. According to reports, at least 57 individuals have died during this dangerous crossing, highlighting the serious risks many migrants face. Sánchez described these actions as a violation of Spain's territorial integrity and assured that the government will take strong action. In response to this crisis, Italy has suspended the Schengen border-free arrangements with Spain. This decision reflects the broader concerns about managing migration across Europe. Many migrants, facing severe conditions, have chosen to return to Morocco voluntarily, with officials reporting that over 48,000 people have done so. Ceuta serves as a key location for migrants who are seeking a new life in Europe. Witnesses have described distressing scenes of thousands arriving in wet clothes, indicating the perilous journey they undertook. Local residents have expressed fear due to the high number of migrants, as city workers and police struggled to manage the situation. The Spanish government has deployed soldiers to support local authorities in Ceuta and improve security amidst this ongoing crisis. Ceuta's President Juan Jesús Vivas remarked that the influx equals around 70% of the city's population. This raises questions about the ability of local services to cope with such a rapid increase in people. If this trend continues, it could lead to humanitarian issues, putting pressure on both local infrastructure and social services. The government stresses that it will work closely with Moroccan authorities to manage the situation effectively. The recent events underline how complex and urgent the issue of migration has become in today's world, demanding immediate international attention.
B1 · Intermediate · 279 words · ~2 min
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- trafficking
- the illegal movement of people, often for the purposes of forced labor or exploitation.
- influx
- an arrival or incoming of a large number of people or things.
- voluntarily
- done by choice, without being forced.
- infrastructure
- the basic physical structures and systems needed for the operation of a society.
- humanitarian
- relating to helping people who are suffering or in need.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.How many people have reportedly died during the crossing to Ceuta?
2.What has Italy done in response to the migrant situation in Ceuta?
3.How much of Ceuta's population does the influx of migrants represent?
















































