(Spain, 2nd) Approximately 60,000 migrants have entered Ceuta, a Spanish overseas territory, from Morocco, triggering heated debate among European Union member states over border control and the Schengen system. The EU will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday (August 4) to discuss how to address this migration crisis.
According to the BBC, 22 member states jointly sent a letter to EU leaders, calling for strengthened coordination and control of the EU's external borders, and warned that mass illegal entry could encourage more people to attempt crossings, undermining confidence in a common migration policy.
About 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday (July 30). Although belonging to Spain, Ceuta is located on the North African coast, bordering Morocco directly to the west and about 20 kilometers from mainland Spain. Therefore, migrants can cross the land border from Morocco or enter Ceuta from coastal waters.
Spanish officials said almost all migrants have returned to Morocco, but the death toll from the influx has risen to at least 67, and the situation in Ceuta has now largely returned to normal.
This crisis has intensified internal EU conflicts. Italy announced it would suspend Schengen border-free arrangements with Spain for a month. Finland, France, and Portugal are also considering reinstating border checks. Denmark has even called on the EU to consider suspending parts of the Schengen cooperation.
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez criticized the reaction of some countries as "selfish, divisive, and illegal," and pointed out that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area. He said Spain had restored border control within 48 hours and prevented the migrants from continuing to mainland Europe.
Sanchez also criticized some European governments for attacking Spain out of prejudice, misinformation, ignorance, or political self-interest, though most member states still express support and solidarity with Madrid.
The borders of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco are the EU's only two land borders in Africa. In 2021, about 8,000 migrants surged into Ceuta within several days, once intensifying diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco.
About 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday (July 30). Although belonging to Spain, Ceuta is located on the North African coast, bordering Morocco directly to the west and about 20 kilometers from mainland Spain. Therefore, migrants can cross the land border from Morocco or enter Ceuta from coastal waters.
Spanish officials said almost all migrants have returned to Morocco, but the death toll from the influx has risen to at least 67, and the situation in Ceuta has now largely returned to normal.
This crisis has intensified internal EU conflicts. Italy announced it would suspend Schengen border-free arrangements with Spain for a month. Finland, France, and Portugal are also considering reinstating border checks. Denmark has even called on the EU to consider suspending parts of the Schengen cooperation.
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez criticized the reaction of some countries as "selfish, divisive, and illegal," and pointed out that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area. He said Spain had restored border control within 48 hours and prevented the migrants from continuing to mainland Europe.
Sanchez also criticized some European governments for attacking Spain out of prejudice, misinformation, ignorance, or political self-interest, though most member states still express support and solidarity with Madrid.
The borders of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco are the EU's only two land borders in Africa. In 2021, about 8,000 migrants surged into Ceuta within several days, once intensifying diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco.