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The European Union (EU) has called for emergency talks after a major migration crisis in Spain’s Ceuta enclave triggered tensions among member states over border controls and migration policies.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will focus on the recent surge of migrants entering Ceuta from Morocco and measures to strengthen the EU’s external borders.
The crisis escalated after about 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory, which is one of the European Union’s only land borders with Africa alongside Melilla.
Spain said it had restored control of the border within 48 hours and that almost all migrants who crossed into Ceuta on July 30 had returned.
However, at least 67 deaths have been linked to the crossings.
Twenty-two EU member states have signed a joint letter urging stronger coordination and warning that uncontrolled migration could weaken confidence in the bloc’s migration system.
The letter said there were concerns over “hybrid threats to create the perception that illegal entry into the European Union is possible,” adding that such perceptions could encourage more attempts to enter Europe illegally.
The statement was signed by leaders from countries including the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium and addressed to EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed concern over criticism from some European governments, accusing them of making “selfish, polarising and unlawful” responses to the crisis.
Sánchez said Spain had successfully secured the border and prevented unauthorised movement into mainland Europe.
“Most have shown support and solidarity, but others have chosen to attack Spain, driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest,” he said.
The dispute has affected the Schengen Area, which allows free movement across 29 European countries without routine border checks.
Italy has suspended its Schengen arrangement with Spain for a month, while Finland, France and Portugal have considered introducing additional border checks.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged the EU to consider “all options, including a suspension of Schengen co-operation.”
Von der Leyen described the scenes from Ceuta as “unacceptable” and said the EU must ensure that people entering the bloc follow established rules.
“We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules,” she said.
Ceuta and Melilla remain key migration routes because they provide the European Union’s only land access to Africa.
Migrants often attempt dangerous sea crossings or swim across the border from Morocco to reach European territory.
The enclave previously experienced a major migration surge in 2021, when about 8,000 people entered Ceuta within days, causing diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco.
Spain has maintained a relatively open migration policy and recently approved plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants to help integrate them into the workforce.
