The heads of government of 22 European Union countries issued an official statement calling for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders, measures to prevent illegal migration, and support for Spain amid the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on social media platform X that the situation requires a “swift and united European response.”

“Finland is among the 22 EU leaders who signed the letter in which we call for effective protection of the Union’s external borders, the prevention of illegal migration, and support for Spain. We urge the interior ministers to consider this issue promptly,” Orpo wrote.

The statement came after a large-scale crisis in Ceuta — a Spanish enclave on the coast of North Africa — where tens of thousands of migrants broke through from Morocco at the end of July. According to Spanish authorities, dozens of people died during attempts to cross the border.

The situation has sparked tense discussions within the EU about control of the external borders, migration policy, and the need for tougher mechanisms to prevent illegal crossings.