en.malanginspirasi.com – European Union (EU) leaders will convene emergency talks on Tuesday following a dramatic spike in arrivals at Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, an influx that has triggered fierce diplomatic clashes and exposed deep divisions over European border control.
The diplomatic crisis unfolded after an estimated 60,000 migrants swam into Ceuta from Morocco over a short period.
While Spanish authorities report that nearly all arrivals have already returned to Morocco, at least 67 people died during the crossing.
In response to the surge, a coalition of 22 EU nations—led by leaders from the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium—sent a joint letter to top EU leadership calling for coordinated action and stronger external borders.
The letter warned against hybrid threats that create the illusion that illegal entry into the EU is viable, arguing that such perceptions undermine faith in the bloc’s shared migration policies.
However, Spain strongly rejected the backlash from its European neighbors.
The dispute escalated when Italy temporarily suspended its border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, a move backed by Denmark and Finland, while France and Portugal weigh similar measures.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the reaction as selfish, polarizing, and unlawful.
He emphasized that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen zone and noted that Spanish forces secured the border and prevented onward travel into continental Europe within 48 hours.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the images from Ceuta unacceptable, emphasizing that rules must be enforced.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Morocco to immediately accept returnees, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered British assistance.
Ceuta, alongside Melilla, represents the EU’s only direct land borders with Africa, making it a frequent target for organized, social-media-driven migration pushes during summer months—most notably in 2021 when 8,000 people crossed in a matter of days.
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that local businesses have reopened and that Spain is preparing inflatable water barriers to prevent future attempts.
