MINISTERS AGREE ON RESPONSE TO BORDER MIGRATION CRISES

MUNICH, SEPTEMBER 27 /SRNA/ - Interior and migration ministers from 18 EU countries have agreed on a joint mechanism for dealing with a mass influx of migrants such as the one seen in Spain's Ceuta, Bild reported, citing sources.

The agreement was reached at a meeting in Munich, although no Spanish representatives were present, the report said.

The first part of the plan provides for criteria to be established for declaring an emergency at the EU's external borders. The second would allow migrants to be deported under an accelerated procedure in the event of a crisis.

The third point envisages a support mechanism allowing rapid-response forces from the European border agency Frontex to be deployed within 24 hours to an EU country facing a crisis at its external border.

At the end of July, the enclave of Ceuta saw a mass influx of migrants from neighboring Morocco. According to estimates by Spain's Interior Ministry, around 72,000 people entered the enclave illegally from Morocco.

Most soon returned to Morocco, but thousands remained in Ceuta.

The crisis overwhelmed border, social and municipal services and has continued for almost two months.