In a significant surge of migration, the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, located at the northern tip of Morocco, witnessed the arrival of approximately 50,000 migrants from Morocco on Thursday alone, with an additional 25,000 reported by Friday afternoon, according to the Spanish government. This influx marks one of the largest waves of migration into EU territory to date. However, the Spanish Interior Ministry later indicated that around half of those who arrived on Friday voluntarily returned to Morocco.
This situation has ignited a debate within Europe, with several EU leaders calling for the suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterized the events as an "attack" and a violation of Spain's territorial integrity but simultaneously acknowledged the need for sensible cooperation with countries of origin and transit, particularly Morocco. Experts speculate that Rabat may have intentionally relaxed border controls to exert pressure on Madrid, a tactic familiar from past incidents.
The triggering factor for this crisis appears to be a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court on June 29, which clarified that migrants arriving by sea in either of Spain's enclaves, Ceuta or Melilla, cannot be immediately returned. Such pushbacks are only permissible if migrants attempt to breach border facilities to cross illegally. Sánchez attributed the recent influx to a "one-sided interpretation of the ruling" and human smugglers, stating that this interpretation has spread rapidly through criminal networks.
Tragically, many migrants chose to swim to the Spanish territory, resulting in at least 41 fatalities during the journey. Others crossed via land routes. Thursday coincided with a national holiday in Morocco, celebrating the ascension of King Mohammed VI, potentially resulting in a reduced presence of Moroccan border guards near Ceuta. However, Spanish media suggested that this alone does not account for the massive influx, detailing that families were able to cross the Tarajal Pass virtually on foot due to the absence of enforcement on the Moroccan side.
Historically, Morocco has previously opened its borders to migrants as a means of applying pressure on Spain. For instance, in 2021, over 10,000 migrants entered Ceuta following Morocco's decision to ease border controls amid disputes with Spain regarding Western Sahara. Spain relies heavily on Moroccan cooperation for border security, which has led to a pattern of avoiding public criticism of Rabat. Nevertheless, voices within Sánchez's own PSOE party have begun to indirectly hold Morocco responsible for the recent crisis.
Javi López, Vice President of the European Parliament and a member of PSOE, dismissed Italy's threat to suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain, stating that if migration is used as a weapon, Europe should respond with solidarity, not selfishness. Similarly, Enrique Santiago, a spokesperson for the Spanish left-wing coalition Izquierda Unida, described the massive influx as a provocation by Morocco.
Speculation continues in Spanish media regarding the potential triggers for Rabat's actions, including Sánchez's visit to Algeria on July 20, a significant gas supplier to Spain, amid ongoing tensions between Algeria and Morocco over Western Sahara. Additionally, disputes regarding the hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which includes Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, may further complicate relations.
The United States has also weighed in, with concerns that former President Donald Trump could leverage Spain's defense spending issues and its stance on the Iraq war to undermine Spain through Morocco. The U.S. had previously recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, further solidifying their ties.
In response to the crisis, the European Union has condemned the situation in Ceuta, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that the images from the area are unacceptable and that individuals cannot enter the Union without adhering to its rules. Italy and Finland have sharply criticized Spain's migration policies, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani attributing the influx to Spain's approach to illegal immigration. In light of these developments, Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoned the Italian ambassador for discussions.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has labeled the situation in Ceuta as a tangible threat to European borders and has suggested the possibility of temporarily suspending Spain's Schengen membership. Meanwhile, former EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell clarified that no member state can unilaterally suspend another's participation in the Schengen area. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen echoed this sentiment, stating that countries failing to protect their external borders should not be Schengen members.
As for the migrants, reports indicate that hundreds have already returned to Morocco, and Sánchez expressed gratitude to Morocco for its cooperation in combating human smuggling and expediting repatriation, though no specific timeframe was provided.
As reported by handelsblatt.com.
