BRUSSELS — European Union member states will hold emergency talks on Tuesday to address the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta following a mass influx of migrants and growing divisions over the bloc’s border policies.
The meeting comes after 22 EU member states signed a joint letter calling for coordinated action and stronger protection of the bloc’s external borders after around 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco.
The letter warned against “hybrid threats” that create the perception illegal entry into the European Union is possible, arguing such developments could encourage further crossings and undermine confidence in the bloc’s common migration policy.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized what he described as “selfish, polarizing and unlawful” reactions from some European governments after Italy suspended its border-free Schengen arrangements with Spain, a move supported by Finland and Denmark.
Sánchez said Spanish authorities restored control of the border and prevented unauthorized onward movement into continental Europe within 48 hours, stressing that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Area.
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the situation had largely returned to normal, with almost all migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 having returned to Morocco. Authorities are also constructing an inflatable sea barrier to help prevent illegal crossings.
The death toll linked to the surge in crossings has risen to at least 67.
The joint letter was addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes in Ceuta as “unacceptable,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Morocco to immediately readmit migrants who entered illegally.
Ceuta, along with Melilla, forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa and has long served as a key entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe from Morocco.
Source: Saudi Gazette