Ceuta migrant influx: EU majority seeks emergency talks
Twenty-two EU countries have called for emergency video talks among interior ministers over the migrant influx into Spain's Ceuta enclave, as Madrid said nearly all of the 60,000 people who crossed the border since Wednesday had left and the situation was almost back to normal.
The open letter from leaders of 22 of the European Union's 27 members asked ministers to agree a swift coordinated response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.
It was initiated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government temporarily suspended Schengen-area rules with Spain, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who said the EU should consider suspending Schengen cooperation with Spain.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the prime ministers of Hungary, Sweden and Poland were among the other signatories. The leaders of France and Portugal, which directly border Spain, did not sign.
The letter suggested that ministers consider enhanced Frontex support and the effectiveness of EU cooperation with Morocco. It also said no unauthorised onward movements had been recorded towards Europe.
Spain's interior minister has said at least 67 people died while attempting the crossing. Madrid has sent troops, police, drones, divers and boats to Ceuta and said it installed a 500-metre pneumatic barrier near the border post.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spain's two North African enclaves and the European Union's only land borders with Africa.
Update
The open letter was initiated by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the prime ministers of Hungary, Sweden and Poland were among the signatories, while French and Portuguese leaders did not sign.
The letter suggested considering enhanced Frontex support and the effectiveness of EU cooperation with Morocco.
The letter said no unauthorised onward movements had been recorded towards Europe.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 August 2026 at 10:58:01 UTC.
Update
Spain installed a 500-metre pneumatic barrier near the Ceuta border post to reinforce security.
France said it would increase its police presence at the Spanish border to 334 officers and gendarmes by Saturday.
Italy suspended Schengen border-free travel rules with Spain for one month from Saturday, according to the item.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote to EU leaders criticising what he called the selfish reaction of some EU countries.
A Moroccan source close to border operations said people returned by Spain were being transported home by bus or via Tangier railway station, and said the Fnideq crossing was secure.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 August 2026 at 10:22:11 UTC.
Update
Ceuta's top official estimated that 60,000 migrants entered the enclave between Wednesday and Friday, while Spain's interior ministry put the figure at 50,000.
Spain's interior minister said almost all of the migrants had left by late Saturday morning and the situation had nearly returned to normal.
Spain's interior minister said at least 67 people had died trying to reach Ceuta.
Italy temporarily suspended Schengen border-free travel rules with Spain, while France and Portugal announced additional border controls.
Spanish officials said irregular entry into Ceuta does not give migrants a right to remain in Spain, travel to the mainland or move freely in Europe.
Source note: AFP news report published on 1 August 2026 at 09:55:16 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
Moroccan authorities had not issued an official statement on what caused the sudden flow of people in the supplied material.
Supplied material has given different arrival figures at different times, including 50,000 and 60,000.
Source
AFP news report published on .