Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has condemned the reaction of some EU countries to the influx of about 60,000 migrants from Morocco to Ceuta, accusing them of exploiting the crisis with misinformation and political rhetoric rather than demonstrating solidarity.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sánchez said that he had “serious concerns” about some European governments.
The mass crossing has intensified debate over migration policy across Europe and prompted several countries to tighten border controls.
He said that the Spanish government had fully restored control over the border and prevented any “unauthorised onward movement towards continental Europe” in less than 48 hours.
While acknowledging that many EU partners had stood by Spain during the crisis, Sánchez said that others had chosen to politicise the situation. While most had shown “support and solidarity,” Sanchez said that other European governments had chosen to attack Spain, “driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest”, and pointed out that Ceuta was not part of the Schengen area. “The European Union cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction,” he stressed.
The Spanish leader called for an urgent meeting with EU Interior Ministers to “reaffirm that the security of our external borders is a shared responsibility of all Member States.”
Sánchez’s letter comes after Italy temporarily suspended the EU’s border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the scenes “shocking.” Finland and Denmark backed Italy’s move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership.
On Thursday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on social media that such “uncontrolled immigration” was a threat to national security, before suspending the Schengen zone agreement with Spain for a month. The Schengen Area is a system of open borders spanning 29 European countries that have abolished controls at their common borders. Spain responded by summoning the Italian ambassador to Madrid, while its Foreign Minister said that he expected “European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery.”
Finland’s Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said that she had started preparations for restoring internal border checks “if the need arises.” She also urged “all European countries” to support Meloni’s move.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also urged the EU to “consider all options, including a suspension of Schengen co-operation.” France has tightened checks on its border with Spain and said it would increase its police presence by Saturday.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said he was considering reinforcing border checks. Von der Leyen said the images from Ceuta were “unacceptable.” “We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules,” she said on social media.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he “supports Spain’s intention not to allow illegal migrants onto the European continent”, and demanded that Morocco “take back illegal migrants immediately.”
Situation In Ceuta Almost Return To Normal
Officials say almost all those who reached the enclave on 30 July have returned, while Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said today that the death toll had risen to at least 67.
In a news conference, Grande-Marlaska told reporters the situation in Ceuta had almost returned to normal. “Almost all of [the migrants] have already left Ceuta,” the Minister said, adding that businesses had now reopened. “The situation has been almost entirely reversed,” he stated.
He also said that Spain had started to establish an inflatable maritime barrier to prevent further illegal migrant entry. However, while the situation on the ground is easing, political and diplomatic fallout is rippling through Madrid and other capitals.
Meanwhile, 22 of the EU’s 27 countries also called for emergency talks in an open letter, citing “serious concerns” regarding the developments in Ceuta. The nations “welcome that Spain and Morocco are cooperating closely to ensure the swift return of migrants” but said a video conference of EU Interior Ministers would help reach agreement on mobilising EU instruments and support for Spain to restore “effective control” of the border and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.
Spain has defended its handling of the migrant surge. Madrid has sent troops, more police, drones, divers and boats to Ceuta. The country has also deployed its armed forces to bolster security in another Spanish enclave, Melilla, where hundreds of crossings were also reported.
Sánchez, who has visited Ceuta after the migrant influx, said he would consider reinforcing the border with Morocco, and that Moroccan authorities were co-operating.
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