EU ministers to discuss Spain’s migrant crisis after Sánchez hits out over criticism

On Saturday, Spain erected a 500-meter-long barrier across the sea border separating Ceuta, a North African territory, from Morocco following a surge of at least 50,000 migrants entering the region between Thursday and Friday. Regrettably, this influx resulted in at least 67 migrant deaths, including those who drowned and others killed in stampedes while attempting to cross a breakwater barrier.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed outrage over certain European Union leaders' calls for Spain's suspension from the Schengen zone, labeling them as "driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest." The stranded migrants, after swimming to Ceuta's Tarajal beach on Saturday morning, were assisted by soldiers and escorted across the border.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska vowed to take a "hard stance against lawbreakers," but defended the country's cooperation with Morocco, emphasizing that Morocco is a "reliable partner" and not a threat to Ceuta. In response to the situation, 22 EU countries requested a coordinated response from the EU's Irish presidency, urging the establishment of a videoconference among interior ministers.

They stressed that unauthorized mass crossings, abuse of migration, and hybrid threats could create a perception that illegal entry into the EU is possible, undermining confidence in the common migration policy. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni threatened to suspend Italy's Schengen agreement with Spain, and Italy is reimposing border controls for those arriving from Spain by air and sea.

Migrants returned to Morocco on Saturday, with some stating they left due to poor treatment on the Spanish side of the border. The majority of these migrants were Moroccans, while a smaller number were from sub-Saharan Africa. Many recounted their deplorable living conditions in Ceuta, sleeping in forests and battling over limited food supplies.

Upon their return, migrants expressed their disappointment and frustration, with some fearing retaliation from Moroccan authorities.