A News Agency

Portuguese Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves made remarks during the extraordinary meeting of European Union interior ministers on the migration crisis in Ceuta.

Held via video conference, the meeting focused on a coordinated European response to the growing migration pressure at Spain's external border.

Neves said the European Union should respond to the crisis with "unity, determination and responsibility," adding that the developments in Ceuta have reversed the recent decline in irregular arrivals to Europe.

In a statement, the Portuguese government expressed solidarity with Spain and the Spanish authorities and conveyed its condolences over the loss of life.

The statement stressed that the situation is "extremely serious" both from a humanitarian perspective and in terms of protecting the European Union's external borders.

Neves welcomed Spain's operational response, its cooperation with Morocco, and the voluntary return process undertaken by the majority of migrants.

The Portuguese minister also argued that individuals who do not meet the conditions to remain in the country under European and international law should be returned swiftly.