EU calls emergency meeting to discuss Ceuta migrant crossings

The European Union will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, following tense exchanges between Spain and other member states.

Twenty-two member states have signed a joint letter calling for coordinated action and the strengthening of the EU's external borders. The move comes after some 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco.

Spain condemned the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" reaction to the crisis after Italy suspended the Schengen border-free arrangement with Spain, a decision supported by Finland and Denmark.

Officials say nearly all of those who reached Ceuta on 30 July have since returned, while the death toll from the surge in crossings has risen to at least 67.

The letter, signed by leaders including those of the Netherlands, Finland and Belgium, addresses concerns about "hybrid threats to create the perception that illegal entry into the European Union is possible." It warns that such a perception "would encourage further attempts, undermine confidence in our common migration policy and have repercussions for all Member States."

The letter is addressed to European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, as Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

In a separate letter to von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed "serious concerns" about some European governments. He said his government had fully restored control over the border and prevented any "unauthorised onward movement towards continental Europe" in less than 48 hours.

While most countries showed "support and solidarity," Sánchez said others had chosen to attack Spain, "driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest." He also pointed out that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.