Spain Expresses Outrage Over EU Response to Ceuta Immigration Crisis
Spain has expressed its frustration with the attitude of certain European Union nations regarding the illegal immigration crisis in its enclave, Ce euta. Spain has characterised the reactions of several European countries as selfish, divisive, and unlawful.
According to reports, Spain has condemned the EU’s reaction to the influx of approximately 60,000 illegal migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spanish officials stated that almost all those who arrived in Ceuta on 30 July have been returned to Morocco, noting that at least 67 fatalities occurred due to the surge in crossings.
Italy has temporarily suspended its Schengen border-free agreement with Spain, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni describing the situation in Ceuta as ‘shocking’. Finland and Denmark have supported Italy’s move, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has urged a temporary suspension of Spain’s Schengen membership. EU Home Affairs ministers are scheduled to meet via video conference next week to discuss the issue. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for an urgent meeting to assert that the security of Europe’s borders is a shared responsibility of all EU Member States.
Twenty-two of the 27 EU member states have called for emergency talks in an open letter, expressing ‘serious concern’ regarding developments in Ceuta. While these nations appreciated the close cooperation between Spain and Morocco in the rapid repatriation of illegal migrants, they indicated that the video conference would help reach an agreement on mobilising EU instruments and supporting Spain in restoring border controls.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concern regarding the stance of certain European governments. He stated that the Spanish government had fully restored control over the borders and prevented ‘further unauthorised movement towards continental Europe’ in less than 48 hours. Despite much support, Sánchez claimed some governments chose to attack Spain, alleging these attacks were driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interests. He also noted that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.