The European Union has praised Spain's swift response to a massive migrant influx into Ceuta, where around 72,000 people crossed the border between 30 and 31 July, leading to diplomatic tensions and Italy temporarily suspending its Schengen agreement with Spain.
Spain's intelligence services assess that Moroccan authorities failed to stop migrants to Ceuta and gained politically from the crisis, despite not planning the influx. The crisis, which caught Madrid off guard, also saw human trafficking networks spreading misinformation.
Over 50,000 migrants breached the Ceuta-Morocco border, with at least 72 deaths. Spain has restored control, repatriating nearly all migrants. EU interior ministers will meet amid calls for security reinforcement and expulsions, with Italy suspending Schengen travel with Spain.
Tens of thousands of migrants who swam into Spain's Ceuta exclave have mostly returned to Morocco, but the surge left 72 dead and exposed deep EU divisions over migration, particularly between Spain and Italy, amidst questions about social media's role.
Tens of thousands of migrants swam into Spain's Ceuta exclave, resulting in 67 deaths and exposing deep EU divisions over migration. Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez criticized Italy's response, while others blame Spain's policies and social media for the influx, prompting EU talks on border control.
The EU will hold an urgent meeting of interior ministers to address the arrival of over 50,000 migrants in Ceuta, Spain, which has caused divisions within the bloc. Spain confirmed 67 deaths and is installing a floating barrier, while Italy criticized Spain's migration policies, though France rejected suspending Spain from Schengen.
Spain has restored control over its Ceuta border after a mass migrant incursion from Morocco, prompting Italy to suspend Schengen agreements with Spain. EU interior ministers are set to meet in an emergency session amid calls for solidarity and security measures.
US President Donald Trump and top officials criticized Spain's handling of the Ceuta migrant crisis, where 50,000 migrants crossed from Morocco, calling it an "invasion" and blaming "radical left-wing globalist policies." The US warned of similar consequences for itself and Europe, while France and Italy also reacted by tightening borders and calling for Spain's Schengen suspension.
