A coalition of 22 European Union member states has formally requested an emergency meeting to address the recent, sudden influx of tens of thousands of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. The leaders behind the open letter are calling for the bloc's interior ministers to convene via video conference as a matter of urgency, seeking a coordinated response to prevent further uncontrolled border crossings.
The initiative was spearheaded by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country has temporarily suspended Schengen-area rules with Spain, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who previously suggested the EU should consider suspending Spain from Schengen cooperation. The letter explicitly states that the EU has a duty to effectively deter and combat illegal migration. The signatories, which include German Chancellor Friedrich Merz along with the leaders of Hungary, Sweden, and Poland, expressed concerns that such uncontrolled mass movements could create the perception that illegal entry into the EU is possible, potentially undermining confidence in the bloc's common migration policy. The letter notably excludes the French and Portuguese leaders, whose countries share a direct border with Spain.
The document suggests that ministers should focus on enhanced support from Frontex and evaluate the effectiveness of current EU cooperation with Morocco. The signatories added that they take note that no unauthorized onward movements have been recorded toward the rest of Europe. The letter warns that failing to act would encourage further attempts and have repercussions for all Member States.
Despite the calls for a coordinated response, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated on Saturday that France is not seeking the suspension of Spain from the Schengen zone. He emphasized that such a move is not on the table, citing the great cooperation between the two nations. France has, however, reinforced controls at its southern border with Spain.
Spanish officials have clarified that entry into the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla does not grant a right to remain in Spain or to move freely throughout the Schengen Area, noting that specific procedures apply to those seeking transport to mainland Europe. According to the Spanish interior ministry, the situation in Ceuta has largely returned to normal, with nearly all of the 60,000 individuals who breached the border since Wednesday having already departed.
An open letter from the leaders of 22 of the EU's 27 members demanded the bloc's interior ministers have a video meeting "as a matter of urgency" to agree a speedy coordinated response, and to "prevent further uncontrolled crossings".
