Spain slams 'selfish' EU response to Ceuta migrant surge
Spanish Prime Minister condemns the reaction of some EU countries after roughly 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Spain condemns the selfish reaction of certain EU nations to the migrant influx
- The death toll in Ceuta has risen to at least 67 people
- Czech PM urges a temporary suspension of Spain's Schengen membership
- Pedro Sanchez calls for EU-wide shared responsibility over external borders
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has strongly condemned what it termed the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" reaction from several European Union countries following the arrival of approximately 60,000 migrants from Morocco into Ceuta. The chaotic scenes unfolded on July 30 after border controls in the North African enclave seemingly broke down, prompting widespread concern across the continent.
Speaking at a news conference, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that the death toll resulting from the crisis had climbed to at least 67. He added that the situation on the ground had nearly returned to normal, with almost all individuals who reached the enclave having already been sent back, while authorities have begun deploying an inflatable maritime barrier to deter further crossings.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Despite the easing situation locally, severe political and diplomatic fallout continues to ripple through Madrid and other European capitals. Finland and Denmark expressed support for Italy's position, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis called for a temporary suspension of Spain's Schengen area membership. Furthermore, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the EU to weigh all options, including suspending Schengen cooperation, while France and Portugal reinforced their border checks.
"The European Union cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction."
Pedro Sanchez
In a formal letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Sanchez expressed serious concerns regarding the behaviour of certain European governments. He emphasized that the Spanish administration successfully restored complete border control and halted any unauthorized onward movement toward continental Europe in under 48 hours. Sanchez further demanded an urgent meeting with EU interior ministers to reaffirm that external border security remains a shared obligation for every member state.
Ceuta and Melilla represent the European Union's only land borders situated on the African continent, making them enduring focal points for migrants attempting dangerous journeys into Europe. This latest crisis echoes previous tensions, such as the 2021 incident where around 8,000 people entered Ceuta over a few days, exacerbating diplomatic strains with Morocco amidst domestic socioeconomic challenges and high youth unemployment in the North African nation.
Source: BBC World
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