Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has broadly criticized the European Union's response to a significant surge of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, particularly taking issue with Italy's decision to temporarily suspend Schengen Area free-travel arrangements with Spain. The Schengen Area facilitates borderless travel among 29 European countries.
In a letter addressed to key European officials, Sánchez stated, "In the current international context, the European Union cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarizing and unlawful reaction." He highlighted Spain's swift action in returning approximately 50,000 to 60,000 migrants who had crossed the border from Morocco.
Sánchez expressed disappointment with the varied reactions from EU governments following the incident. While many offered support, he noted that others "have chosen to attack Spain and to call for its temporary exclusion from the Schengen Area." He characterized such attitudes as driven by prejudice, misinformation, ignorance, or political interest, arguing they are contrary to European and humanitarian law, as well as the EU's long-term interests and common sense. He pointed out that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Area, most irregular migrants had been returned, and Spain has one of the EU's least porous external borders according to Frontex.
The surge involved tens of thousands of people illegally crossing into Ceuta, a Spanish exclave bordering Morocco in North Africa. Spanish authorities reported that between 50,000 and 60,000 individuals entered European territory. By Friday evening, Spain's interior ministry stated that 48,300 had been returned to Morocco, with hundreds more returning hourly.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the vast majority of migrants had returned to Morocco, crediting the efforts of Spanish and Moroccan law enforcement. She stated that none of the migrants reached mainland Spain or the wider EU. However, reports indicated that at least 67 people died during the border rush.
In response to the crisis, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy, along with Denmark, had promoted a letter signed by 22 EU member states. This letter calls for joint action to strengthen external borders, combat irregular immigration, fight human traffickers, improve return procedures, and eliminate incentives for illegal entries. Meloni emphasized that defending the EU's external borders is a shared European responsibility.
Sánchez has formally requested an emergency meeting of the interior ministers of all 27 EU countries. The meeting will be convened by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, as Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Irish Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, is expected to lead the gathering to address the situation.
In light of the incident, Spain announced plans to install a 500-meter barrier in the sea to prevent future migrant crossings.