31/07/2026 09:37 - Internacionales
The Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta — a small enclave of about 83,500 inhabitants on the northern coast of Africa — is facing one of the largest migration surges in its history. According to reports from Infobae and Perfil, more than 40,000 people have swum from Morocco into Ceuta in under 48 hours, overwhelming reception centers. The death toll stands at at least 34 people who perished attempting to reach European soil.
The trigger for this mass movement appears to be a recent ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that prohibits so-called 'hot returns' (summary deportations) at sea. In response, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska traveled to Ceuta to oversee the operation, where they were met with boos and calls for resignation from some local residents.
The crisis in Ceuta quickly escalated beyond Spain's borders, turning into a full-blown European conflict. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni led the criticism, announcing that her government is studying a temporary suspension of free movement with Spain by reinstating border controls within the Schengen Area — the zone of 27 European countries that normally allow passport-free travel.
The images coming from Ceuta are shocking and show that uncontrolled illegal immigration represents a real threat to the security of European borders.
Italy's stance was quickly backed by other nations. Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen supported the suspension of Schengen with Spain. France, through Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, reinforced controls at its border with Spain. Sweden and the Netherlands also expressed deep concern.
Furthermore, according to Perfil, officials from the United States administration publicly backed Rome's position, widening the international impact of the conflict.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoned the Italian ambassador in Madrid, calling Italy's accusations inappropriate. Spain insists that the solution requires international cooperation, not unilateral measures.
The European Commission offered financial and operational support through Frontex, the EU border agency. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of migrants in Ceuta.
European law experts clarify that Italy cannot unilaterally expel Spain from the Schengen Area. However, EU regulations allow a member state to temporarily reinstate internal border controls in the event of a serious threat to public order. This would mean increased document checks at airports and ports, but not the end of free movement within the bloc.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
