- Thousands of migrants have surged from Morocco into the Spanish enclave Ceuta amid a border crisis.
- Sánchez stated that Spain managed to fully restore control of the border in less than 48 hours and returned virtually all irregular migrants in coordination with Morocco.
- Ceuta is gradually returning to normal, with shops reopening and fuel supplies restored after days of disruption.
- Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that between 50,000 and 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta, but that the vast majority have returned.
- The Spanish government announced that the death toll has risen to 67 and plans to install a containment barrier extending into the sea.
- Sánchez condemned the 'selfish' reaction of some EU countries to the Ceuta border crisis.
- In a letter to Brussels, Sánchez stated that several European states had chosen to attack Spain and request its temporary exclusion from the Schengen area, driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interests.
- European criticism included Italy’s foreign minister calling Sánchez’s migration scheme 'profoundly wrong', Sweden urging Spain to act swiftly, and Finland stating Spain had 'completely failed to protect the Schengen area’s external border'.
- Grande-Marlaska echoed Sánchez’s criticism, accusing some EU countries of ignorance and bad faith, asserting that Morocco is not a threat to Ceuta.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has condemned the 'selfish' reactions of some EU countries regarding the Ceuta border crisis, where the death toll has risen to 67. In a letter to Brussels, he criticized several states for their prejudice and political interests that undermine EU solidarity.1356
Sánchez called for an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers, stating that Spain has managed to restore control of the border and provide humanitarian assistance with minimal support from other European nations. He emphasized that Morocco is a reliable partner in addressing the crisis.21112
The situation escalated as between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, although the majority have since returned. Sánchez's government has faced criticism from other EU leaders, including Italy's foreign minister, who blamed Spain's previous migrant policies for incentivizing human trafficking. The Swedish and Finnish governments have also expressed concerns, urging Spain to regain control of its borders and fulfill its Schengen commitments.8910
Despite the challenges, reports indicate that Ceuta is gradually returning to normal, with shops reopening and traffic moving freely after days of disruption. The Spanish government plans to install a containment barrier to deter further crossings.
“Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said between 50,000 and 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta, though “the vast majority have returned.” The Spanish government put the death toll at 67 and plans a sea barrier, while Sánchez said border control was restored in under 48 hours with close Moroccan coordination.”
The Guardian
