European Borders Tighten After 60,000 Enter Spanish Territory
Around 60,000 people recently crossed into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. This large movement from Morocco created one of the biggest migrant challenges for the European Union. Many people swam around a border barrier to enter Ceuta. At least 34 people died trying to cross. By Friday evening, officials said over 48,000 people had returned to Morocco.
France and Italy quickly increased their border controls. France boosted its police presence on the border with Spain five times. This means 334 officers and gendarmes are now working there. Italy also stopped its Schengen agreement with Spain for one month. This agreement usually allows people to travel between borders without visas.
Several European countries questioned Spain’s place in the Schengen zone. Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the zone’s integrity was safe. Meanwhile, Spain sent troops, more police, drones, and boats to Ceuta. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area. He blamed the surge on people-traffickers. He said these groups spread false rumors about a court ruling. The ruling said irregular migrants arriving by sea could not be sent back immediately.
Inside Ceuta, shops closed their doors. Annual festivals were also cancelled. Local people saw many young people wandering the streets and beaches. Some slept on the sand. Many young people later returned to Morocco. They said “goodbye” to officers at the border. One local taxi driver described the situation as “catastrophic.”
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called the scenes in Ceuta “unacceptable.” She stated that no one can enter the European Union without following its rules. Finland and Denmark supported Italy’s actions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz asked Morocco to take back illegal migrants at once. France and Britain offered help to Spain. However, France still tightened its own border checks.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spain’s two territories in North Africa. They are the only land borders between Europe and Africa. Moroccan authorities have not yet given an official statement. A similar large crossing happened in 2021. More than 10,000 migrants reached Ceuta then. That event also came during disagreements between Spain and Morocco.
