Ceuta crisis: Around 60,000 Moroccans enter Spanish enclave; EU calls for immediate returns

The situation in Ceuta has escalated significantly after around 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave, while at least 34 people have died while attempting to cross the border.

Juan Jesus Vivas, the regional president, said the city had faced an influx far beyond its reception capacity and was unable to manage such pressure. According to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the sudden wave was fueled by smugglers’ networks, which had spread false information about a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court.

The ruling clarified that immediate returns do not apply to migrants who arrive illegally by sea. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the images of thousands of people entering the Spanish city as “unacceptable.” She stressed that entry into the European Union must take place only in accordance with the rules, calling for an immediate halt to dangerous crossings, the dismantling of smuggling networks and the swiftest possible return of migrants.

Clashes near the border were accompanied by intervention from Moroccan police, who arrested around 30 young people on the Moroccan side. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, which consisted mainly of young people who had gathered to cross the border.

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