Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez Strongly Criticises EU Response Regarding Ceuta Migration Crisis
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has launched sharp criticism against the response of several European Union (EU) governments regarding the handling of the migration crisis in Ceuta. Sanchez assessed that the approaches taken by some member states were driven by prejudice, the spread of fake news, and purely political interests.
According to the Spanish daily El Pais, Sanchez described these measures as “selfish, divisive, and illegal.” This strong statement was delivered via an official letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
In his letter, Sanchez urged the European Union to immediately convene an emergency meeting of interior ministers. The objective is to coordinate a more solid and unified response in accordance with the organisation’s principles. “The European Union must not allow such selfish, divisive, and illegal reactions,” Sanchez asserted.
Sanchez highlighted the asymmetrical responses from member states. While the majority provided support and solidarity, some countries instead attacked Spain, with some even calling for the temporary suspension of Spain from the Schengen Area.
Responding to these proposals, Sanchez emphasised that the pressure to remove Spain from the passport-free zone lacks a strong legal basis. He reminded that, administratively, Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Area.
Sanchez explained that within 48 hours, the Spanish government successfully restored border control in Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous territory in North Africa. These management efforts were carried out through intensive coordination with Morocco. However, Sanchez lamented the lack of support from other EU member states, viewing the passive attitude and political attacks from certain members as contrary to European law, humanitarian law, and the principle of solidarity.
Citing data from the border agency Frontex, Sanchez emphasised that Spain maintains one of the strictest external borders in the European Union. This is crucial given that Spain is the only member state with a direct land border on the African continent.
He also recalled Spain’s active contributions in assisting other member states during similar crises, such as the migration crisis in Belarus in 2021 and at the island of Lampedusa, Italy, in 2023.
As a follow-up, Ireland reportedly convened a meeting of the EU Integrated Political Crisis Response mechanism on Saturday. Representatives from member states are scheduled to meet again on Monday (3/8) to discuss further collective handling.
Simultaneously, Madrid has begun the gradual reopening of the Beni Enzar crossing in Melilla—another Spanish enclave in North Africa. This reopening is specifically for vehicles participating in Operation Crossing the Strait.
Data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior recorded the tragic impact of this crisis, noting that at least 67 people died while attempting to reach Spanish territory. Meanwhile, nearly 70,000 migrants who had entered Ceuta have now returned to Morocco.