In brief
Between 30 and 31 July, more than 72,000 people flooded into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast. Spain repatriated 70,000 migrants while securing emergency EU funds and humanitarian aid. The EU interior ministers praised the swift response but noted criticism from Italy and others, underscoring the need for unified border security. Spain assures respecting migrants’ rights, especially minors, amid continued cooperation with Morocco.
EU Interior Ministers praised Spain for its swift handling of an unprecedented migrant influx into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast.
Between 30 and 31 July, around 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta. Spain has since repatriated an estimated 70,000 back to Morocco, but the crisis left 75 deaths on the Spanish side and 11 in Morocco.
Following calls from Italy, Denmark and other member states, the EU held a meeting of interior ministers. Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan chaired the session and emphasised that migration is a "European problem that requires a united response".
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande‑Marlaska said Spain was working closely with Morocco to prevent further breaches and that any migrants remaining in Ceuta would be sent back quickly.
The EU offered emergency funding to bolster Spain’s border controls and highlighted the role of criminal networks and social‑media misinformation in driving the influx.
While some EU members criticised Spain – Italy suspended its Schengen travel rules with Spain for flights – 26 million euros was earmarked to assist minors in Ceuta.
Photographs depict migrants on a beach, awaiting aid, and banners calling for asylum, underscoring the humanitarian dimension of the crisis.
