Spain has sharply criticized what it called the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" response of some fellow European Union countries after a massive surge of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.

 

• Spain's criticism: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused some EU governments of using the crisis for domestic political purposes instead of showing solidarity with Spain, which manages one of the EU's external borders.

• The migrant surge: Between 50,000 and 60,000 people reportedly crossed into Ceuta in a short period, making it one of the largest irregular migration events ever recorded on EU territory. At least 67 people died during the crossings, according to authorities and media reports.

• EU tensions: Italy drew particular criticism after suspending Schengen travel from Spain for one month and calling for tougher measures. Some other countries also questioned Spain's handling of the EU's external border, while France, Germany and the European Commission expressed support for Spain and urged a coordinated European response.

• Spain's response: Spanish authorities reinforced security in Ceuta, began installing a floating sea barrier, and said that most migrants had already returned to Morocco. Spain also stressed that recent immigration regularization policies do not apply to those who entered during the current crisis.

• Next steps: The European Union has scheduled an emergency meeting of interior ministers to discuss the crisis and coordinate a common response to migration and border security.

The crisis has reignited long-running debates within the EU over border management, migration policy, and how member states should share responsibility during sudden large-scale migration events.