In a recent letter addressed to European institutions, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for an urgent meeting of European Interior Ministers to address the escalating migration situation in Ceuta. The crisis has become a significant diplomatic issue within the European Union, provoking strong reactions from various member states. Earlier this week, Spain reported that the situation in Ceuta was 'almost' returning to normal following the return of nearly all migrants who had arrived in the enclave over the past few days. According to officials, more than 48,000 of the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco have been sent back, indicating a significant reduction in the crisis's immediate impact.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who was dispatched to Ceuta, expressed optimism during a press conference about the 'significant' improvements being made. He noted that local residents could now go about their daily activities, with shops reopening and life beginning to stabilize, although he cautioned that the crisis was not yet over. Tragically, it has been reported that at least 67 migrants lost their lives attempting to enter Ceuta, primarily due to drowning.
On the ground, young migrants continued to cross the border, often under the watchful eyes of military personnel and the Spanish Civil Guard. An AFP journalist witnessed two men emerging from the sea, collapsing on the beach from exhaustion. One migrant, Soufiane, a 42-year-old Moroccan, shared his harrowing journey, having swum for just a few minutes to reach Ceuta, motivated by the desire to reunite with his mother who is battling leukemia in Madrid.
As the situation develops, hundreds of migrants, many from Sub-Saharan Africa, remain in waiting outside a migrant reception center that is currently closed, with police blocking access. Souleye Bodian, a 19-year-old Senegalese, expressed the dire circumstances in Africa, emphasizing that many view Europe as a land of opportunity where they can work and support their families.
The unprecedented scale of this migration crisis has drawn criticism from various EU leaders, highlighting the contentious nature of immigration and border control issues across Europe. Prime Minister Sánchez, who advocates for a more open immigration approach, criticized the responses of certain European leaders, suggesting that they undermine the long-term interests of the continent. His Minister of the Interior, Grande-Marlaska, condemned the 'bad faith' exhibited by some EU officials, reminding them of Spain's support for Italy during the Lampedusa crisis in 2023.
In response to the situation, Italy has reinstated border controls with Spain, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni openly criticizing Spain's handling of the crisis. This action has garnered the support of countries such as Finland and Denmark. Meanwhile, France has significantly increased its police presence at the Franco-Spanish border, deploying five times more officers during the peak summer vacation period.
As reported by lesoir.be.
