Anusic on Ceuta: There is no need to spread panic, the Croatian police remain at the Croatian border

Ivan Anušić, Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, addressed concerns over a migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta during a visit to Dalj on Saturday. Speaking in Dalj, which commemorated the 35th anniversary of the tragic deaths of 39 Croatian defenders who lost their lives defending the Police Station Dalj and local residents during the early stages of the Serbian aggression, Anušić emphasized that there was no need to spread panic regarding the situation at Croatia’s borders. He stated that the Croatian police would continue to maintain control at the border and clarified that military involvement would occur under specific circumstances, which were not currently applicable. Anušić highlighted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs, led by Minister Božinović, along with its department and police force, was overseeing the border and would continue to do so. He explained that the military would deploy under entirely different conditions, adding that the current circumstances did not necessitate the presence of troops at the border. The minister criticized those who, due to some media attention, spread panic, misinformation, sensational headlines, and other content that unsettles and confuses the public. He urged against such actions, stating these were not issues that warranted public alarm. Instead, he pointed out that there were many other topics that needed communication and should be prioritized. Anušić noted that the migration crisis had not begun yesterday but had been ongoing for more than a decade, and Croatia had successfully managed the situation thus far. He assured that the country would continue to do so effectively. The comments come amid growing international concern over the migrant influx into Ceuta, a Spanish territory located on the northern coast of Africa. Reports indicate that thousands of migrants have attempted to cross into Spain from Morocco through Ceuta in recent days, leading to chaotic scenes at the border. The situation has raised questions about the capacity of European countries to manage migration flows and the potential impact on regional stability. Croatia's stance on border security has remained firm, with authorities emphasizing the role of national police rather than military forces in managing migration challenges. This approach aligns with broader European Union policies aimed at maintaining internal security while addressing the root causes of migration. However, the situation in Ceuta has sparked discussions among EU member states about the need for coordinated responses to prevent similar crises elsewhere. Anušić’s remarks reflect a broader effort by Croatian officials to reassure both domestic and international audiences that the country is capable of handling migration-related challenges without resorting to extraordinary measures. His emphasis on the continued presence of the police at the border underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining order and preventing the escalation of tensions. As the situation in Ceuta continues to develop, European leaders are expected to hold further discussions on how best to address the migrant influx and ensure the safety and security of all affected regions. The outcome of these deliberations will likely influence future policy decisions and cooperation efforts within the EU.