BRUSSELS: The European Union has called an emergency meeting for Tuesday to address the migration situation in Ceuta following growing tensions between Spain and several other member states.
The move comes after about 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave from Morocco, prompting 22 EU countries to issue a joint letter demanding a coordinated response and stronger protection of the bloc’s external borders.
Spain sharply criticized what it described as “selfish, polarising and unlawful” reactions to the crisis after Italy suspended the Schengen border-free arrangement with Spain, a decision that received support from Finland and Denmark.
Officials said that most of the migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 have since returned, while the death toll linked to the surge in crossings has risen to at least 67.
The joint letter warned that the situation could create the impression that illegal entry into the European Union is achievable, which could encourage further attempts, weaken confidence in the EU’s common migration policy, and affect all member states.
The document was signed by leaders of 22 countries, including the Netherlands, Finland, and Belgium, and was addressed to European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, as Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
In a separate letter to von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed “serious concerns” about the response of some European governments. He said Spain had restored control of the border and prevented any unauthorized movement of migrants toward mainland Europe within 48 hours.
(Inputs from BBC)
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