Amid rising worries about migrant crossings, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has called for increased border security. Last week, thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta. Spain has reported that around 69,500 migrants returned to Morocco, surpassing earlier figures of 50,000. Sadly, the death toll includes 72 people in Spain and 11 in Morocco. The EU's interior ministers plan to discuss these events in an emergency video conference. This situation has caused tension among EU member states. Italy has temporarily stopped border checks with Spain, which affects the Schengen agreement that allows free movement. Finland and Denmark support Italy's decision, while others, like the Czech Republic, suggest Spain should suspend from the agreement. Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, expressed concerns about some governments and emphasized that Ceuta is not in the Schengen area. Von der Leyen highlights the need for a united European response and calls for better cooperation to tackle illegal immigration.
B1 · Intermediate · 161 words · ~1 min
2026-08-04 · BBC News · politics

EU Urges Stronger Border Measures After Migrant Crossings
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- crossings
- Places where people go over the border.
- tension
- Stress or conflict between groups.
- collaboration
- Working together towards a common goal.
- situation
- A condition or state of affairs.
- immigration
- Moving to a new country to live.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What did Ursula von der Leyen call for?
2.How many migrants have returned to Morocco?
3.Which countries support Italy's decision on border checks?















































