Why In News?

Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta within 24 hours, leading Italy to temporarily suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain.

About Ceuta

Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish city on the North African coast, sharing an 8.2-km land border with Morocco, making it Spain's only land border in Africa.

Along with Melilla, Ceuta forms the European Union's only land border with Africa, making it strategically important for migration management.

Strategic Migration Route: Ceuta is a major gateway for irregular migrants seeking entry into Europe because it is part of Spain and the EU customs territory, though special border arrangements apply.

Schengen Area Framework

The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries (25 EU members and 4 European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries), enabling passport-free movement for over 450 million people. 

Legal Basis: Established by the 1985 Schengen Agreement and 1990 Schengen Convention, and incorporated into EU law through the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997). 

Temporary Suspension: Under the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399), member states may temporarily reintroduce internal border controls in response to serious threats to public policy or internal security. 

Integrated Border Management: The system is supported by Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) and the Entry/Exit System (EES), which digitises border management for non-EU travellers.

Source: REUTERS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which frequently appear in the news due to migration crises, form the only land border between the European Union and which of the following continents?

A) Asia 

B) South America 

C) Africa 

D) North America 

Answer: C 

Explanation: Ceuta and Melilla are autonomous Spanish cities located on the northern coast of Africa, bordering Morocco. They represent the EU's only land border with Africa.