Spanish PM urges urgent EU meeting after mass crossing into Ceuta

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he described as a “polarising and unlawful reaction” from several EU member states following a mass border crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday and Friday. Over 50,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a move that has sparked a sharp response from European leaders. Sánchez called for an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers to address the crisis and to coordinate a unified response to the influx.

The crossing resulted in at least 67 deaths, with many victims drowning or being crushed against a breakwater barrier as they attempted to enter the enclave. The incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing migration flows across the Strait of Gibraltar and the need for a coordinated European strategy. Sánchez’s remarks come amid growing pressure on the EU to balance border security with humanitarian obligations.

In the wake of the tragedy, European officials are expected to convene to discuss measures that could prevent future mass crossings while ensuring the safety and rights of migrants. The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy solutions to address the complex dynamics of migration between North Africa and the European Union.