Key facts
- Spain condemned the 'selfish, polarising and unlawful' reaction of some EU countries to a migrant surge into Ceuta.
- Italy, Finland, and Denmark backed calls for Spain's suspension from the Schengen visa-free travel zone.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated Spain had restored border control within 48 hours and criticized the 'prejudice' driving some EU nations' responses.
- Approximately 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.
- Spain summoned the Italian ambassador and accused some EU governments of 'partisan demagoguery.'
Spain has strongly criticized the 'selfish, polarising and unlawful' reactions from some European Union countries following an influx of approximately 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Italy, supported by Finland and Denmark, called for Spain's temporary suspension from the Schengen visa-free travel zone, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing the situation as 'shocking' and a threat to national security.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed 'serious concern' in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, asserting that Spain had fully restored border control within 48 hours and prevented onward movement to continental Europe. Sánchez accused some European governments of acting out of 'prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest,' and highlighted that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area. Spain summoned the Italian ambassador to protest what it termed 'partisan demagoguery.'
Other European nations have taken varied stances. France has tightened border checks with Spain and increased police presence, while Portugal is considering reinforcing its border checks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported Spain's efforts to prevent illegal migrants and urged Morocco to take them back immediately. The European Commission, through Commissioner Magnus Brunner, stated that no migrants had crossed into mainland EU. President Donald Trump described the situation as a 'catastrophe' and an 'invasion.'
Spain has defended its response, deploying additional security forces and military personnel to Ceuta and Melilla. Prime Minister Sánchez blamed trafficking gangs for exploiting a recent Supreme Court ruling that requires due process for migrants attempting to reach the enclaves by sea, deeming the surge a 'violation of Spain's territorial integrity.'