EU holds emergency meeting after 60,000 migrants flood Ceuta
The European Union is set to convene a high‑level summit on Tuesday, prompted by a sudden influx of roughly 60,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta over a single weekend. The crisis has prompted 22 member states to draft a joint letter urging coordinated action and the strengthening of the EU’s external borders.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly condemned the reaction of other European governments, describing it as “selfish, polarising and unlawful.” He said Spain had re‑established full control over the border fence and stopped illegal onward movement towards the European mainland in less than 48 hours. The Spanish government insisted that Ceuta is outside the Schengen area and that its border controls were fully restored.
In response, Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen free‑movement arrangement with Spain for a month, a move that has been backed by Finland and Denmark. France and Portugal have also indicated that they are considering the reintroduction of border controls.
Death tolls from the crossings rose to at least 67, and the EU letter warned of “hybrid threats” that could create the perception that illegal entry into the EU is possible, thereby eroding the credibility of its migration policies.
The joint letter is addressed to EU President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Irish Taoiseach Michael Martin, who currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU. Signatories include the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium.
Spanish officials accused other governments of attacking Spain out of prejudice, fake news or political interest. The Spanish government emphasised that Ceuta and its neighbour Melilla form the EU’s only land borders with Africa, and that migrants can reach the enclaves by swimming several kilometres.
After the crisis, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that almost all migrants had left Ceuta and that commercial activity was beginning to resume. Spain is also exploring the construction of an inflatable barrier to prevent further illegal sea crossings.
European leaders are calling for Morocco to take back illegal migrants immediately. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded an urgent response from Morocco, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK was providing what help it could. At the same time, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised images from Ceuta as “unacceptable” and reminded that the Union must not allow anyone to enter without abiding by its rules.
If you want to experience this crisis from a new angle, metaworld.media invites you to join our interactive virtual press conference. As an avatar, you can view expert interviews, explore the Ceuta border, and contribute to the discussion on solutions for legal and safe migration.
