Spain has condemned the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" reaction of some European Union countries following the influx of about 60,000 migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Officials report that almost all migrants who arrived on 30 July have since returned, while the death toll linked to the surge in crossings has risen to at least 67.

Italy temporarily suspended the EU's border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, a move supported by Finland and Denmark. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš also called for a temporary suspension of Spain's Schengen membership. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the scenes in Ceuta as "shocking" and labeled the uncontrolled immigration a threat to national security.

In response, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing "serious concerns" about some European governments. Sánchez stated that Spain had fully restored control over the border and prevented any "unauthorised onward movement towards continental Europe" within 48 hours. While acknowledging support and solidarity from most EU countries, he accused others of attacking Spain, driven by "prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest," and emphasized that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.

Twenty-two EU member states, including leaders from the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium, signed a joint letter addressed to EU President Antonio Costa, von der Leyen, and Taoiseach Michael Martin (Ireland currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union). The letter called for coordinated action and strengthening of the EU's external borders, warning against "hybrid threats to create the perception that illegal entry into the European Union is possible," which could undermine confidence in the common migration policy and affect all member states.

Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen announced preparations for restoring internal border checks "if the need arises."

The European Union plans to hold emergency talks on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta amid these tensions.

Sources