Spain Recovers Most Migrants from Ceuta as EU Response Draws Criticism

Spain has strongly criticized the response of some European Union member states to the recent migrant crisis in its North African enclave of Ceuta, labeling their reactions as "selfish," "polarizing," and "illegal." This condemnation comes after an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in a sudden influx between Thursday and Friday. Tragically, the crisis resulted in at least 57 to 67 deaths, with some individuals drowning or being crushed during the crossings.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his "serious concern" in a letter to EU leaders, stating that while many countries offered support, others chose to "attack" Spain and even proposed its temporary exclusion from the Schengen free-travel area. He argued that such attitudes, driven by "prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interests," contradict European law, humanitarian principles, and the core tenets of EU solidarity. Sánchez also highlighted that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area, rendering calls for its suspension legally baseless.

Despite the challenges, Spain asserted that it regained control of its border within 48 hours, providing extensive humanitarian assistance and facilitating the return of "virtually all" migrants who crossed irregularly. By Friday afternoon, over 48,000 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco, often due to a lack of food and shelter in Ceuta. Spain maintains these efforts were carried out in close coordination with Morocco but received "very little support" from certain EU member states.