Spain has criticized the actions of several European nations regarding the recent arrival of approximately 60,000 migrants in the North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the responses from some EU member states as selfish and unlawful, emphasizing that the situation at the border was brought under control within 48 hours.
Italy, backed by Finland and Denmark, briefly suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain, citing security concerns. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni characterized the influx as a threat, while the Czech Prime Minister suggested a full suspension of Spain from the Schengen zone. In contrast, Spanish officials clarified that Ceuta is not within the Schengen area and asserted that no migrants had moved into the European continent.
The Spanish government deployed military forces, specialized police, and maritime equipment to manage the border, blaming human trafficking gangs for manipulating a local court ruling to incite the surge. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denounced the events as unacceptable, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany offered support to Spain in maintaining its borders. Meanwhile, international reactions included concerns from the US, where Donald Trump labeled the migration event a crisis.
