Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized European leaders for a lack of solidarity and "selfish" reactions to the Ceuta migrant crisis, accusing some of using the situation for political gain. He defended Spain's migration policies in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The incident highlights deep divisions within the EU over migration policy and burden-sharing, potentially impacting the bloc's internal security and external border management. It also underscores the political sensitivity of migration issues in member states.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticized European leaders for a perceived lack of solidarity and "selfish" reactions to the recent migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Sánchez lamented what he described as "prejudice, misinformation and attacks" for political gain, following the arrival of over 50,000 migrants from Morocco.
Twenty-two EU leaders had previously criticized Sánchez's migration policies, with some accusing him of undermining bloc security and citing Spain's plans to regularize the status of 500,000 undocumented migrants as a 'pull factor.' Sánchez defended these policies, arguing that they are unrelated to the Ceuta events and that Spain maintains one of the EU's least porous external borders.
In response to the crisis, Italy announced it would suspend Schengen arrangements with Spain, a move Sánchez described as "rather asymmetric" and "unlawful." France also reportedly increased border checks with Spain. Sánchez defended his government's actions, stating that border control was restored within 48 hours and that humanitarian assistance was provided. He formally requested an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers to establish a common European response and called on von der Leyen to demonstrate leadership.
While some EU partners offered support, others, like Italy, opted to criticize Spain. Sánchez highlighted Spain's past solidarity with other EU countries facing similar challenges, such as Belarus and Lampedusa.