Spain attacks 'selfish' response of some EU countries to Ceuta migrant crossings

Key Points:

• Spain condemned some EU countries for their "selfish, polarising and unlawful" reactions to the sudden influx of about 60,000 migrants from Morocco to Ceuta, emphasizing that border control was restored within 48 hours and most migrants have since returned.
• Italy, backed by Finland and Denmark, temporarily suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain, citing national security concerns, while several EU countries called for emergency talks to coordinate support for Spain and manage border security.
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized certain European governments for attacking Spain amid the crisis, highlighting that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area and calling for shared responsibility in securing EU external borders.
• Spain has increased security measures in Ceuta and Melilla, deploying troops, police, and maritime barriers, while blaming trafficking gangs for exploiting a recent Supreme Court ruling that migrants cannot be summarily returned to Morocco without due process.
• The incident has caused diplomatic tensions across Europe, with France and Portugal tightening border controls, and EU leaders urging coordinated action, while the US criticized Spain's migration policies and described the situation as a "catastrophe."