Spain to Build 500-Metre Sea Barrier After 60,000 Migrants Enter Ceuta

Spain’s enclave of Ceuta has seen a dramatic surge in migration from neighbouring Morocco, with officials reporting that almost all of the estimated 60,000 migrants who crossed the border in just a few days had left the city by Saturday. The episode, which has already claimed at least 67 lives, has prompted the Spanish government to announce plans for a 500‑metre‑long containment barrier along the sea border to curb further crossings.

In response, a majority of EU member states have urged emergency talks, signing an open letter to the bloc’s interior ministers to address the crisis. “We need a coordinated, urgent response to protect lives and uphold our shared values,” wrote Matthew‑Mary Caruchet of France24’s International Affairs desk, adding that the barrier is part of a broader strategy to manage the flow while the European Union seeks a comprehensive solution. The situation remains fluid as Spain and EU officials work to balance security measures with humanitarian considerations.