European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has demanded "united action" on border security following a chaotic influx of Moroccan migrants into Spain’s exclave of Ceuta.
Spain reports that about 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco, surpassing earlier estimates, and the death toll on the Spanish side now stands at 72, with 11 fatalities on the Moroccan side.
EU interior ministers will convene on Tuesday via video conference to discuss emergency measures that stem from the event.
In reaction, Italy temporarily suspended its Schengen cooperation with Spain, a move backed by Finland and Denmark, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš called for a temporary halt to Spain’s Schengen status.
Spanish premier Pedro Sánchez stressed that Ceuta is not within the Schengen corridor and accused some European governments of attacking Spain driven by prejudice or political interest.
Von der Leyen urged the EU to fortify external borders, deploy early-warning systems, dismantle smuggling networks and strengthen return procedures, calling the crisis a clear signal for collective action.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande‑Marlaska said the situation was almost back to normal and highlighted the development of an inflatable barrier to curb illegal maritime migration.
