B2 — Upper Intermediate
About 72,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory in North Africa. Unfortunately, at least 75 people died on the Spanish side of the border, while Morocco reported 11 deaths.
Many European member states have expressed their concern over the Ceuta migrant crisis in Spain.
Since then, Spain has responded to the large number of migrants arriving in Ceuta by placing a 500-meter floating barrier near the Tarajal breakwater.
It also worked with Morocco to return thousands of migrants, provided emergency aid, and approved €25 million to help unaccompanied children.
Read the article about Spain’s response to the Ceuta migrant crisis.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80n3j55g0do
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to stand in solidarity with someone” mean? ”Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, who chaired Tuesday’s meeting, said the EU stood in solidarity with Spain and that migration required “a united European response”.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to draw tension“ mean? ”The meeting had been expected to draw some tension, following earlier criticism of Spain from some EU nations.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “exclave” mean? ”The crossings came after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla, another Spanish exclave, cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on how Spain dealt with the Ceuta crisis?
- “It is thought that the influx was fuelled by criminal networks and social media disinformation.” What is your view on this?
- Share your opinion on the other European nations expressing their concerns over the Ceuta migrant crisis.
- What is your opinion on Italy suspending its Schengen zone agreement with Spain on free movement in response to the Ceuta crisis?
- Share your views on this, “Finland and Denmark backed Italy’s move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership.”
- How can countries work together to solve migration problems?