Sanchez Slams 'Selfish' EU Partners Over Ceuta Migration Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sharply criticized several European Union partners, accusing them of "selfish, polarizing, and illegal" stances on the migration crisis that engulfed the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Sánchez urged an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers to address the fallout and forge a united European approach.

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Sánchez expressed deep concern over the reactions of some EU governments following an unprecedented influx of migrants into Ceuta. While most member states offered solidarity and support, Sánchez noted that others attacked Spain and suggested suspending its Schengen Area participation. He attributed these reactions to "prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political calculations," asserting they contravene European and humanitarian law, as well as EU solidarity principles.

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selfish, polarizing, and illegal

The Spanish leader's message arrived as Italy announced a halt to its cooperation with Spain under the Schengen agreement, with Denmark and Finland also considering similar measures. This followed the arrival of approximately 50,000 migrants from Morocco into Ceuta within a short period, sparking widespread debate across the EU about external border management and migration policies.

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prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political calculations

Sánchez emphasized that Spanish authorities regained full border control within 48 hours, provided necessary humanitarian aid, and repatriated nearly all irregular migrants. He highlighted this was achieved with Moroccan coordination, despite what he described as limited support from other EU members. He also stressed that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Area, rendering calls to suspend Spain's participation legally baseless and disconnected from the reality of the situation.

Meanwhile, Italy and Denmark, joined by Germany and over 20 other European nations, also requested an urgent interior ministers' meeting. They advocated for stricter EU policies on irregular migration and enhanced protection of the EU's external borders. These countries suggested that Spain's earlier policy of mass regularization of migrants might encourage irregular migration, urging a halt to policies that create a "pull factor."

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Ceuta is not part of the Schengen Area