Spain attacks 'selfish' response of some EU countries to Ceuta migrant crossings

Spain has strongly condemned the response of several European Union countries to the recent influx of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Madrid described the reactions as "selfish, polarizing and unlawful," particularly criticizing moves by Italy, Finland, and Denmark to suspend or consider suspending Spain's membership in the border-free Schengen Area.

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The European Union cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed "serious concern" in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He stated that while most European governments offered support and solidarity, others chose to attack Spain based on "prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest." Sánchez emphasized that Spain had fully restored border control within 48 hours and prevented any unauthorized movement towards continental Europe, noting that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen zone.

The controversy erupted after Italy temporarily suspended the EU's Schengen arrangement with Spain, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling the scenes "shocking." Finland and Denmark backed Italy's stance, while the Czech Prime Minister urged a similar suspension. Spain responded by summoning the Italian ambassador and asserting its expectation of "European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery."

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We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules.

Despite Spain's assertion of regaining control, with officials reporting that almost all of the approximately 60,000 migrants who arrived on July 30 have been returned, the political fallout continues. The incident highlights deep divisions within the EU regarding migration policy and border management, with Spain feeling isolated and unfairly targeted by some member states.

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Such uncontrolled immigration was a threat to national security.