EU calls emergency meeting to discuss Ceuta migrant crossings

The European Union will convene emergency talks on Tuesday to address the migration crisis in Ceuta, an enclave in Spain. Around 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco in recent weeks, prompting tense exchanges between Spain and other member states. Twenty-two member states have issued a joint letter urging coordinated action and the strengthening of the EU's external borders.

Spain condemned Italy's suspension of the EU's Schengen arrangement with the country as selfish, polarising, and unlawful. Most migrants who reached Ceuta on July 30 have returned, but deaths from the surge in crossings have reached at least 67. The EU members' letter addresses concerns about "hybrid threats" designed to make illegal entry into the European Union appear possible, potentially discouraging further attempts and undermining confidence in the common migration policy.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed serious concerns about some European governments' actions, accusing them of attacking Spain due to prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest. He noted that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.