EU scrambles to contain migrant crisis as thousands reach Spanish enclave of Ceuta
Regional president Juan Jesus Vivas said around 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta, with 34 people dying in the attempt. Several EU countries have urged consideration of suspending Spain from the Schengen zone.
Spanish authorities are facing a major migration emergency in the North African enclave of Ceuta, where tens of thousands of people have arrived from neighboring Morocco. According to regional president Juan Jesus Vivas, around 60,000 migrants entered the territory. Many reportedly swam around a small border fence that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, and at least 34 people lost their lives during the attempt.
The sudden influx has triggered an international dispute, with Germany, Italy and Finland criticizing Spain's handling of the situation. France also announced it would step up checks along its border with Spain. In response, Madrid has deployed troops, additional police officers, divers, drones and boats to Ceuta to reinforce security. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the interior minister rushed to the enclave on Friday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the scenes in Ceuta unacceptable and stressed that nobody should be allowed to enter the European Union without respecting its rules. Italy went further on Thursday, calling for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen open-border area. Spain responded by summoning Italy's ambassador and accusing Rome of exploiting the crisis for political gain. Finland and Denmark later backed Italy's call. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded that Morocco immediately take back illegal migrants.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the EU should consider all options, including suspending Schengen cooperation. She argued that uncontrolled migration poses a threat to Europe and Denmark. Meanwhile, France and Britain said they were ready to help Spain cope with the surge, but France simultaneously tightened border controls with Spain.
