Ceuta crisis/ Around 60,000 migrants cross from Morocco, at least 34 fatalities; EU calls for accelerated returns

Ceuta is facing a dramatic migration crisis after around 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave. At least 34 fatalities have been recorded during attempts to cross the border.

Juan Jesús Vivas, the regional president, said reception capacities had been completely exceeded and that the city was unable to cope with this level of pressure. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attributed the sudden influx to the activities of smuggling networks. He said criminal groups had spread false information by misinterpreting a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court.

The ruling stipulated that migrants who arrive illegally by sea are not subject to immediate return. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described as “unacceptable” the scenes of thousands of migrants entering the Spanish city. She stressed that entry into the European Union cannot take place without respecting the rules and called for an immediate halt to dangerous crossings, action against smuggling networks and the acceleration of migrants’ returns.

On the Moroccan side of the border, police arrested around 30 young people during clashes near the border line. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the thousands of people, mostly young, who had gathered with the aim of crossing the border.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Morocco to promptly take back the migrants who had entered Spanish territory illegally. France, meanwhile, said it was ready to provide Madrid with all necessary assistance, including support through Frontex. President Emmanuel Macron also ordered increased checks along France’s border with Spain.