European interior ministers have expressed serious concern over foreign "information interference" related to the circulation of images during the recent migration crisis in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa.

Following an informal online meeting on Tuesday, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that all EU member states had "without exception" shown solidarity with Spain. He emphasized that the interference aimed "to sow division among" the EU countries. Nuñez noted, “There was a certain amount of interference by foreign states which used these images to criticise the EU’s migration management policy.”

Ministers also commended the Spanish government's handling of the situation and highlighted the "remarkable cooperation with Morocco." In response to the mass influx of migrants, France has reinforced controls along its border with Spain.

Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that the surge of migrants into Ceuta has not compromised Europe’s visa-free Schengen travel zone. He added that border passport checks remain in force between Ceuta and mainland Spain, with most migrants already returned to Morocco.

Tragically, more than 80 migrants died during the crisis, including some who drowned or were trampled in a stampede attempting to cross a breakwater barrier, according to Spanish and Moroccan authorities.

Sources