European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union «must do more» to strengthen its external borders and reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Spain in tackling illegal migration.

In a letter to Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, seen by Reuters, Von der Leyen said the EU could strengthen border management around Ceuta and Melilla by improving early-warning systems and increasing technical and financial support for Morocco.

She added that further action is needed to strengthen the EU’s response to illegal migration.