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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Ceuta migrant crisis

Episode 260805 / 05 Aug 2026

(Photo By Marcos Moreno/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Too hard? Try something easier.

Too easy? Try something harder.

The story

Around 60,000 migrants swam around the border from Morocco into Ceuta, part of Spain, which has a population of 80,000.

Spanish authorities said almost all those who reached the enclave have now returned. At least 72 migrants died attempting the journey.

Many EU leaders called for an urgent meeting, asking for the end of policies that could encourage illegal migration. But Spain says that as Ceuta is not part of mainland Spain, there was never a security threat to other EU countries.

News headlines 

Runaway online rumors sparked frantic rush by migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta
AP News 

How Spain's migrant crisis created a political storm - whipped up by social media
BBC News 

EU ministers to back Spain as Ceuta crisis pushes migration up the agenda
Politico 

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Key words and phrases

runaway
out of control; beyond expectations 

  • The marketing campaign for the cereal was a runaway success. So many people bought it. 

whipped up
caused or made stronger 

  • The footballer whipped up anger in the crowds by celebrating in front of the losing team. 

push (something) up the agenda 
bring forward discussion of something because of its importance

  • Campaigners say recent heatwaves in the UK are pushing climate change up the agenda. More people want to talk about it. 

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