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We now got our hands on a copy of von der Leyen’s letter to Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez.

In the latter, she tells the much-criticised Spanish PM that she wanted to “commend [him] for the swift handling of the returns of those who entered Ceuta illegally from Morocco.”

“But Spanish and Moroccan authorities have managed this efficiently and effectively, successfully preventing illegal movement onwards to mainland Spain and Europe,” she said.

She also welcomed Madrid’s “further deterrent actions … to prevent further illegal arrivals, such as reinforced surveillance of the maritime border.”

Curiously, von der Leyen also went out of her way to praise Morocco, despite growing questions about its role in the border incident.

She said it is “an important strategic partner” in fighting irregular migration, and one that the EU wants to develop a “more structured” partnership with, which could include “border management early-warning systems.”

Despite harsh criticism facing Spain from a number of countries, von der Leyen also made it clear that in the commission’s view “we do have a robust system in place to safeguard Europe’s security and sovereignty.”

But in a carefully calibrated letter to keep all capitals happy, she also stressed that “migration is a European challenge that requires a European response,” and acknowledges the demands coming from migration hawks by saying “we must do more to further strengthen our borders at critical points.”

It’s notable, however, that she repeatedly referenced the need to show “solidarity” with Spain, and the commission’s “enduring support” to help Madrid “overcome this current challenge” – without much of the same criticism that came from some of the national capitals.