MADRID (Realist English). Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described the mass entry of around 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Morocco’s coast as an “attack” and a “violation of territorial integrity.” Speaking in Ceuta on 31 July, Sanchez said the incident “deserves the most decisive condemnation.”
“This was an act of aggression and an attack on the territorial integrity of the Spanish city of Ceuta,” the prime minister stressed.
According to enclave authorities, approximately 60,000 people entered Ceuta from Moroccan territory within 24 hours – equivalent to 70% of the city’s population of about 83,600. At least 57 people have died as a result of the crisis.
Causes: Supreme Court ruling and mafia disinformation
Sanchez blamed the chaos on criminal groups involved in human trafficking. According to him, the mafias deliberately distorted a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court concerning the deportation of migrants.
In early July, the court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco. Criminal networks spread false information on social media that the ruling supposedly opened the door to Europe, which “spread like wildfire.”
“Human traffickers gave a self‑serving interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling,” Sanchez stated.
Madrid’s response: troops, buoys and accelerated repatriation
The Spanish government has deployed troops to Ceuta to reinforce security. Sanchez promised to mobilise “all state resources” to restore order and announced plans to strengthen the border with Morocco.
Authorities plan to install floating buoys at the breakwater to create a physical barrier and are considering legislative changes to enable more effective repatriation of irregular migrants.
By the evening of 31 July, more than 48,000 migrants had voluntarily left Ceuta and returned to Morocco. One migrant, speaking to Reuters, warned potential followers: “I beg you, if you haven’t come yet, don’t come. Don’t do it.” Nevertheless, isolated groups continued attempts to enter the enclave.
Italy suspends Schengen with Spain
The Ceuta crisis has triggered a diplomatic scandal in Europe. Italy, in response to the migrant surge, suspended the Schengen Agreement with Spain.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the situation “shocking” and said Rome is ready to apply “exceptional measures” to protect its borders, up to and including full suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for the closure of the Schengen Area with Spain, describing irregular immigration as a threat to national security.
Madrid responded by accusing Rome of “party political demagoguery” and summoning the Italian ambassador for explanations.
Brussels: situation ‘unacceptable’
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner called the situation in Ceuta “unacceptable” and promised continued support for Spain. He stressed that, under the Schengen Borders Code, special rules apply to Ceuta and Melilla, and border controls when leaving these cities remain in force. Brussels is ready to provide additional support through EU agencies.
The Ceuta crisis has become the largest single influx of irregular migrants into EU territory in history. Sanchez promised to accelerate deportation procedures and said Spain is closely coordinating actions with Morocco.
However, the chaos in Ceuta and the diplomatic conflict with Italy call into question the future of the Schengen Area and demonstrate the vulnerability of Europe’s external borders.
