EU calls emergency meeting to discuss Ceuta migrant crossings
There have been tense exchanges between Spain and other EU states over the influx of migrants into the enclave of Ceuta.
The European Union is set to convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address the migration crisis in Ceuta, following a period of strained relations between Spain and other member states.
Twenty-two member states have collectively called for coordinated action and enhanced security at the EU's external borders. This appeal comes after approximately 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco.
Spain has denounced the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" responses to the crisis, particularly after Italy temporarily suspended its participation in the EU's border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, a decision supported by Finland and Denmark.
Officials report that nearly all migrants who arrived in Ceuta on July 30 have since returned, and the death toll from the increased crossings has reached at least 67.
The letter from EU members expresses concern about "hybrid threats designed to create the perception that illegal entry into the European Union is possible." It warns that such a perception "would encourage further attempts, undermine confidence in our common migration policy and have repercussions for all Member States."
Leaders from the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium are among the 22 signatories of the letter, which is addressed to EU President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Taoiseach Michael Martin, as Ireland currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In a separate communication to von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez conveyed his "serious concerns" regarding certain European governments.
Sánchez stated that the Spanish government had regained full control of the border and prevented any "unauthorised onward movement towards continental Europe" within 48 hours.
While acknowledging the "support and solidarity" shown by most, Sánchez criticized other European governments for attacking Spain, attributing their actions to "prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest." He also highlighted that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.
Police were observed escorting migrants off Spanish territory on Saturday.
On Friday, Sánchez accused migrant traffickers of exploiting a recent supreme court decision that limited the government's ability to immediately deport individuals arriving by sea.
Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced at a Saturday news conference that the situation had largely normalized and that the country was developing an inflatable barrier to deter illegal migration by water.
He confirmed that "almost all of [the migrants] have already left Ceuta," and businesses in the area have reopened.
The influx of migrants into Ceuta has created diplomatic challenges for Spain, particularly concerning the Schengen Area, which eliminates border checks for over 450 million people across 29 European countries.
In addition to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's one-month suspension of Italy's Schengen agreement with Spain, Finland, France, and Portugal are all reportedly considering or reviewing border checks.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the EU to "consider all options, including a suspension of Schengen co-operation."
Von der Leyen described the scenes from Ceuta as "unacceptable," stating on social media: "We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded that Morocco "take back illegal migrants immediately." On Saturday, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed he had spoken with Sánchez and that the UK was "providing what help we can."
Last year, Morocco experienced several Gen Z anti-government protests, with young people advocating for improved opportunities and public services.
Ceuta, along with Melilla, represents the European Union's sole land borders with Africa. Migrants often attempt to enter the enclave by swimming several kilometers.
While this year's surge in migrants is exceptional, Ceuta has historically been a key entry point for those seeking to reach Europe. During the summer, there is often a significant push to reach Ceuta, frequently organized via social media.
In 2021, approximately 8,000 people entered Ceuta over a few days, intensifying Spain's diplomatic tensions with Morocco.
Spain generally adopts a welcoming stance towards immigration. In April, the government approved plans to grant legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, facilitating their formal integration into the workforce.