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Spain condemns EU reaction to Ceuta migrant surge
BBC··1 Aug
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on August 1 that almost all of about 60,000 migrants who entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 had returned, with the death toll at least 67. He condemned some EU reactions as selfish after Italy suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain for one month. Spain is deploying a maritime barrier as businesses reopen.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Travellers in Europe may face tighter border checks as France increased police on its Spanish frontier and Portugal considers reinforcements after the Ceuta influx.
- Anyone following EU migration policy should note 22 member states called for emergency interior minister talks on support and border control instruments.
- Schengen area residents could see temporary internal border checks if more countries follow Italy's one month suspension with Spain after the crisis.
What's Happening
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on August 1 that almost all of about 60,000 migrants who entered Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 had returned as the death toll rose to at least 67.
- Sanchez condemned some EU countries' reaction as selfish and unlawful after Italy temporarily suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain and Czechia urged wider suspension.
- Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said businesses reopened and Spain is deploying an inflatable maritime barrier to prevent further illegal entry into the enclave.
Sixty Thousand Arrivals In A Spanish Enclave
- Sanchez blamed trafficking gangs for exploiting a June Supreme Court ruling limiting summary returns of migrants stopped at sea near Ceuta and Melilla.
- Ceuta and Melilla form the EU's only land borders with Africa; chaotic scenes unfolded on July 30 when border controls apparently broke down.
- EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner said after talks with Spain that not a single person crossed to mainland EU, while Germany and the US commented on Madrid's migration approach.
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