Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused the European Union of division and lack of solidarity in the face of the massive migration wave from the Moroccan border into Ceuta. In letters sent to European Commission and Council leaders, Sanchez condemned the 'selfish, polarizing and unlawful' attitude of some EU countries and demanded an immediate meeting of interior ministers.
On Thursday and Friday, more than 50,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain's autonomous city. Officials reported that at least 67 people died while trying to overcome a breakwater barrier. By Friday evening, more than 48,000 people were confirmed to have voluntarily returned to Morocco.
The crisis exposed deep divisions within the European Union. Italy took the first concrete step by suspending the Schengen free movement agreement with Spain. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani accused the Madrid government of encouraging human smuggling with its plan to legalize the status of more than a million refugees and asylum seekers.
Spain's Foreign Ministry rejected the accusation, calling it 'partisan populism'. Prime Minister Sanchez, in his letters, emphasized that attitudes 'shaped by prejudice, fake news, ignorance or political interest' are contrary to European law and the principles of solidarity.
The events also turned into a serious domestic political crisis for the Sanchez government. While some EU countries called for Spain's removal from the Schengen area, the Madrid administration views such demands as a threat to EU values.