EU: No migrants have illegally traveled from Ceuta to mainland Spain

An European Union spokesperson confirmed on Thursday afternoon that no migrants have illegally traveled from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta to mainland Spain, following a large influx of thousands of people into the North African territory the previous week. The statement comes after Italy and Finland had called for Spain's exclusion from the Schengen cooperation area.

Last week, over 70,000 migrants reportedly crossed the border between Morocco and Ceuta without authorization. In response to the sudden surge, Italy and Finland had demanded Spain's expulsion from the Schengen zone, which allows for free travel between member countries. Italy also implemented temporary passport controls for individuals traveling from Spain to Italy via air or sea.

The EU spokesperson stated, "We can at present understand from the Spanish authorities that illegal travel onward to mainland Spain and Europe has so far been prevented." This suggests that while the initial crossing into Ceuta occurred, subsequent movement to the Spanish mainland has been managed or halted.

Reports indicate that around 100 people lost their lives during the initial migrant surge into Ceuta. In the days following the influx, most of the migrants were sent back to Morocco. However, authorities in Ceuta estimate that between 3,000 and 5,000 undocumented migrants still remain in the enclave.

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We can at present understand from the Spanish authorities that illegal travel onward to mainland Spain and Europe has so far been prevented.