Spain attacks EU states over Ceuta migrant response
Spain has condemned what it called the “selfish, polarising and unlawful” response of some European governments after around 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Spain had regained control of the border within 48 hours and prevented any onward movement into mainland Europe. He criticised calls by Italy, Finland, Denmark and the Czech Republic for tougher border measures, stressing that Ceuta is outside the Schengen Area.
EU interior ministers will hold an emergency video conference on Tuesday after 22 member states backed talks to coordinate support for Spain and strengthen control of the EU’s external borders.
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said almost all migrants who entered Ceuta on 30 July had since returned, although the death toll linked to the crossings has risen to at least 67. Authorities have reopened businesses in the enclave and begun installing an inflatable maritime barrier to deter further crossings.
The migrant surge has triggered diplomatic tensions across Europe. Italy temporarily suspended its Schengen arrangements with Spain, while France tightened border checks and Portugal said it was considering similar measures. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes in Ceuta as “unacceptable” and reaffirmed the need to protect the EU’s external borders.
Sánchez blamed human trafficking networks for encouraging the mass crossings following a Spanish Supreme Court ruling on migrant returns. Morocco has been cooperating with Spain to return migrants, while Madrid has reinforced security in both Ceuta and the nearby enclave of Melilla with additional troops, police and surveillance resources.
