Spain is facing a deep migration crisis after tens of thousands of people swam from Morocco to the Spanish enclave, deepening divisions between Madrid and other European Union partners.
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Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has sent a letter to the European institutions, expressing serious concern over the way some member states are responding to the emergency in Ceuta.
In his message, Sanchez calls for an immediate meeting of the interior ministers of the 27 countries to “build a common response” and stress that securing the union’s external borders is a shared responsibility, rather than solely the burden of countries on the front line.
In his letter, he adds that “such a stance, driven by prejudice, disinformation, ignorance or political interests, not only violates European legislation, humanitarian law and the principles of solidarity that unite us, but also runs counter to Europe’s long-term interests and the most basic logic,” alluding, without naming it, to Rome’s decision to suspend the Schengen Agreement.
The European Union responded without delay. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the union had provided assistance to Spain from the outset and welcomed the call for a meeting on the events in Ceuta, where around 60,000 migrants crossed the border in less than 24 hours, although most were sent back.
At least 86 people lost their lives while attempting to cross, and many others were injured. French police deployed large numbers of officers in the city of Ceuta, establishing a security cordon and bringing the situation back under control.
