Frontex and Europol are monitoring social networks for rumors of a new massive entry into Ceuta on August 15th
Brussels confirms that Russian channels amplified the migratory crisis on platforms on the same July 30
BarcelonaDays after messages began to be published on various social networks warning that a new massive migrant entry attempt into Ceuta would take place on August 15, the European Union has announced that it will monitor and verify this possibility in coordination with the Spanish authorities. The spokesperson for the European Commission, Guillaume Mercier, explained this Thursday that Frontex and Europol are "precisely monitoring the information space" of social networks in response to rumors of a new border crossing next weekend. "Everyone is very vigilant," he stated. However, he also stressed that "there are many reports circulating" and that "most are unverified."
In parallel, specialized units of the National Police and the Civil Guard are also investigating these social media messages that call again to enter by swimming from Morocco to Ceuta on August 15, according to Interior sources confirming to ARA. In the messages, which circulate mainly on Facebook and WhatsApp, there would be a call to enter en masse, once again, to Ceuta, as indicated by various media outlets. This Thursday marks one week since thousands of migrants entered the autonomous city. A crisis that has become the biggest tragedy on the southern border in recent years with nearly a hundred deaths.
As the EC spokesperson explained, Brussels has detected foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) channels of Russian origin that "very quickly" attempted to amplify the migratory crisis. "They could be state-controlled media, diplomatic channels, or sources aligned with the government," he pointed out. Mercier specified that the messages appeared from July 30 onwards on different platforms. "Before that date, we had not seen this activity," he clarified.
Likewise, Mercier pointed out that the Digital Services Act (DSA) provides for a response mechanism in case of serious threats, but that the authorities of each member state must request its activation. If they do, then the Community executive can ask online platforms for a risk assessment related to the specific threat. In addition, he added that some social networks have already taken measures and reported some incidents. "They are also applying their own policies regarding smuggling, violence, and incitement".
In this regard, the EC spokesperson recalled that both the President of the institution, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Interior Ministers of the European Union agreed this Tuesday that one of the key elements in fighting irregular migration was to strengthen the early warning system to "understand, prevent, deter and detect threats or movements on social networks".
European support for Spain
The spokesperson for the Community executive has detailed that protection measures have been strengthened in Ceuta. For example, with the installation of physical barriers at sea. "This means we have more information about what is happening 24 hours a day, seven days a week".
Mercier also reported that Brussels has received a first needs assessment from the Spanish government and that they are reviewing the document to "identify the best way to provide support". Additional support may include everything from equipment and services for border management to humanitarian and medical assistance, he explained. Once Spain makes the request, the EC will launch the mechanism to respond to the petition.