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Ceuta surge and deaths
Italy temporarily suspended Schengen with Spain as migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, with the Italian government saying the move would introduce border checks for one month on non-EU air and sea arrivals from Spain.
“Ceuta estimated 60,000 people entered the city, at least 57 died in the attempt”
DW reported that Ceuta estimated 60,000 people entered the city and that at least 57 died in the attempt, while The Hill said the influx involved tens of thousands of migrants into the Spanish North African enclave.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blamed the surge on people smugglers manipulating a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling, saying the misinformation “spread like wildfire over the past few hours through the networks of human trafficking organizations.”
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said “Practically the entirety of those who entered Ceuta have already returned to Morocco,” and DW added that Spain estimated 48,300 migrants had returned by 6 p.m. local time on Friday.
The Hill reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the situation in Ceuta “unacceptable” and appointed two commissioners to oversee the response to the crisis.
Schengen clash and quotes
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the Schengen suspension as “an extraordinary measure” to safeguard national security, while The Hill said the measure would remain in place for August and focus on limiting any impact on summer tourist flows.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote that “The temporary suspension of Schengen with Spain is a necessary decision to protect the security of our citizens and defend Europe's borders,” and WION similarly said the suspension would apply for one month with targeted checks on non-EU nationals.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the move in social media posts, writing “Solidarity and empathy are optional,” and “Respect for European treaties and data is not.”
DW reported that Spain said Schengen zone integrity is “absolutely guaranteed,” quoting Albares on X, and it also said Albares blamed “confusion” spread by critics of Spain’s handling of the Ceuta situation.
Ursula von der Leyen’s office framed the crisis as a rules issue, with The Hill quoting her: “We cannot allow anyone to come to our Union without abiding by our rules.”
Border controls and next steps
Germany’s Interior Alexander Dobrindt said Berlin intends to reinforce and extend checks at Germany’s borders, adding “We will extend the possibility of internal checks beyond September,” while DW linked the move to the developing situation in Ceuta.
““We will extend the possibility of internal checks beyond September,” Dobrindt said”
The Hill reported that Magnus Brunner said Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares informed him that “practically all” of the migrants who entered Ceuta “have returned,” and Brunner wrote “Not a single person has crossed to mainland EU.”
DW said Spain estimated 48,300 migrants had returned to Morocco by 6 p.m. local time on Friday, and it also reported that Moroccan police in riot gear used tear gas to disperse some people still gathering near the border fences.
TVP World said calls grew to suspend Spain from Schengen, reporting that “At least 43 people were reported dead” and that about 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta between Thursday and Friday, arriving by sea and by breaching the land border with Morocco.
Anadolu Ajansı reported that Finland’s Mari Rantanen said “Spain has completely failed to protect the Schengen Area's external border from infiltration,” and it quoted Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker warning that “not a single illegal migrant sets foot on European mainland.”
