Spanish leader slams ‘selfish’ EU response as death toll from Ceuta crossings climbs

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticized several EU member states for their "selfish" response to an influx of migrants crossing into Spain's Ceuta exclave from Morocco, as the death toll from the crossings rose to 67. This week, 50,000 to 60,000 people attempted the journey, with most returning to Morocco by Friday evening.

Many drowned as crowds overcame border controls over land and sea. Sánchez condemned the EU's "selfish, polarizing and unlawful reaction" in a letter circulated widely, attributing it to "prejudice, fake news, ignorance or political interest." He called the EU's handling of the situation "unaffordable in the current international context."

In response, Ireland announced an emergency meeting among national ministers to discuss the crossings, with Irish officials continuing to monitor the situation. Spanish authorities plan to expel those who entered irregularly as quickly as possible. The mass crossings follow Spain's Supreme Court ruling, which prohibits the summary deportation of migrants arriving by sea.

However, some experts argue the ruling was narrowly interpreted. Many migrants allegedly left of their own accord, finding the conditions in Ceuta intolerable. Spanish officials installed a floating barrier near a key entry point. The crisis has been fueled by misinformation about the Supreme Court ruling, spread by traffickers and popular on social media, particularly among young Moroccans already facing economic struggles and a lack of opportunities.