EU calls emergency meeting as Spain reinforces Ceuta border amid migration crisis

The European Union is convening an emergency meeting of its interior ministers to tackle a severe migration crisis that unfolded this week in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain has bolstered its border defenses with a 500-meter floating barrier, attempting to prevent another surge of migrants.

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In the current international context, the EU cannot afford this type of selfish, polarizing, and illegal reaction.

Twenty-two EU governments formally requested the emergency meeting, scheduled for Tuesday. They urged the bloc to assist Madrid in regaining control over its border with Morocco. Spain, however, reported that the situation in Ceuta was returning to normal after an influx of approximately 60,000 people in a matter of hours, most of whom have since returned.

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez called for the EU interior ministers' meeting but also condemned calls from some governments to exclude Spain from the Schengen passport-free travel area. He stated that in the current international context, the EU cannot afford such "selfish, polarizing, and illegal" reactions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Friday the suspension of Schengen agreements with Spain for one month, a stance echoed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who suggested the EU bloc should consider suspending Schengen cooperation with Spain.

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The position that Italy has defended for a long time is shared today by an increasing number of European countries.

"The position that Italy has defended for a long time is shared today by an increasing number of European countries," Meloni asserted on Saturday, having spearheaded the push for the ministers' meeting. Other signatories included German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the prime ministers of Hungary, Sweden, and Poland. France, Luxembourg, and Portugal did not sign the letter, nor did Spain and Ireland.

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We cannot allow mass uncontrolled crossings, the instrumentalization of migration, or other hybrid threats to give the impression that it is possible to enter the European Union illegally.

The 22 signatories stated, "We cannot allow mass uncontrolled crossings, the instrumentalization of migration, or other hybrid threats to give the impression that it is possible to enter the European Union illegally." They suggested that ministers should particularly consider enhanced support from Frontex, the EU's border security agency, and the effectiveness of EU cooperation with Morocco. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the meeting's convocation, noting the bloc needs a "process of analysis" to improve "European resilience." She clarified, however, that "not a single person reached mainland Spain or the rest of the EU" during the migratory wave. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that Spain leaving the Schengen area was "totally ruled out" and affirmed France's strong cooperation with Spain.

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Not a single person arrived in mainland Spain or the rest of the EU during the migratory wave.