Key facts
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing criticism from EU leaders over migration policies.
- A large influx of migrants to Ceuta resulted in a humanitarian crisis and over 80 deaths.
- 22 EU leaders blamed Spain's court ruling on migrant deportations for the crisis.
- Sanchez defended Spain's actions, citing coordination with Morocco and EU solidarity.
- Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni criticized Sanchez and proposed external migrant processing centers.
- Frontex data indicates a substantial decline in migration to the EU since 2015.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing significant criticism from across the European Union following a large-scale migrant arrival in the Spanish territory of Ceuta. The influx, which saw between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants arrive over two days, resulted in a humanitarian crisis and over 80 deaths, according to authorities.
Leaders from 22 EU countries penned an open letter blaming a recent Spanish court ruling, which prevents the summary deportation of sea arrivals without due process, for triggering the incident. They advocated for stricter border controls.
Sanchez defended his government's actions, stating that most migrants were returned quickly in coordination with Moroccan authorities and that the court ruling was intentionally misinterpreted by smugglers. He also highlighted Spain's past solidarity with other EU nations in receiving migrants.
Analysts suggest that political games are being played over the lives of migrants, with some criticizing Europe's "inaction" in addressing the root causes of migration. Human rights groups also expressed concerns that new EU regulations could lead to deportation centers abroad becoming long-term holding facilities.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni was particularly critical, announcing border controls with Spain and using the Ceuta situation to push for a controversial plan to process asylum seekers outside the EU. Sanchez retorted that Meloni's stance contradicted European and humanitarian law, and noted that Italy had received more migrants than Spain since 2021.
Data from Frontex indicates that migration to the EU peaked in 2015 and has since fallen significantly, with crossings decreasing by 37% in the first half of 2026 compared to previous periods.