Spain Declares End to Migrant Crisis in Ceuta, EU Divided Over Figures
Minister Albares claims nearly all migrants have returned to Morocco, but independent sources suggest the total number of crossings may have been twice the official figure.
Minister Albares claims nearly all migrants have returned to Morocco, but independent sources suggest the total number of crossings may have been twice the official figure.
Spain on Friday declared an end to the migrant crisis in its North African enclave of Ceuta, after, according to official claims, most of the tens of thousands of people who poured in from Morocco were sent back. Statements from Madrid were met with skepticism by part of the public and divided the European Union, whose member states imposed countermeasures and demanded an urgent meeting.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced on platform X that "nearly all who arrived in Ceuta have returned to Morocco," thereby declaring the crisis over. According to a report from Madrid, of the approximately 50,000 migrants who stormed the enclave, 48,300 were deported back to Morocco, as reported by Telegram.hr, citing official statements.
Albares insisted that the integrity of the Schengen area was preserved and that it was impossible to reach the Spanish mainland without identification. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner confirmed Albares's claims, writing on X that the minister told him in a phone call that "practically all who entered Ceuta have returned... No one has crossed to the EU mainland," as reported by N1 Hrvatska.
However, the figures put forward by the Spanish government are a matter of dispute. While Madrid claims 50,000 people entered the enclave, local authorities estimated the total number of attempted crossings at as many as 60,000, writes Morski. Independent Spanish sources go further, suggesting the actual number of crossings could exceed 100,000, according to Slavyangrad.
These discrepancies cast a shadow over the claim that the crisis has been fully resolved. According to data from sources, if 50,000 people entered Ceuta and 48,300 were returned, around 1,700 migrants remain in the enclave. The situation is further complicated by the issue of unaccompanied minors, whose deportation is legally more complex.
According to data reported by multiple sources, 57 people lost their lives attempting to cross the border. Most drowned trying to swim to Spanish soil, while others died in stampedes or clashes with Moroccan security forces. Morski describes dramatic scenes in which thousands of people, including families with children, were still waiting in the hills for a new opportunity to cross.
Spain responded to the crisis by sending in the military. More than 400 additional members of the National Police and Civil Guard were deployed to the enclave, which covers just 18 square kilometers, and another 3,000 soldiers were put on standby.
The crisis triggered swift and sharp reactions across the Union. Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen Agreement with Spain for air and sea traffic, while France tightened controls at their shared border. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen sharply criticized Madrid, writing on X that Spain had failed to protect the external border of the Schengen area.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on the Spanish government to bring the situation under control as soon as possible. "Protecting the external borders of the European Union is key to combating illegal migration," Merz stated, as reported by Telegram.hr.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to the criticism by calling for respect for European treaties. "Solidarity and compassion are voluntary. Respect for European treaties and data is not," Sánchez wrote on X. He highlighted data from the Frontex agency, according to which 478,600 illegal migrants entered the EU via Italy in the last five years, compared to 234,760 via Spain, suggesting that his country is not the main entry point.
Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović also reacted to the new situation. He stated that Europe is intensively preparing to prevent a repeat of the migrant wave from 2015 and 2016, emphasizing the readiness of the Croatian police to protect its own borders, as reported by Morski.
Experts from EU member states will meet on Saturday, August 1, 2026, to discuss developments, said a spokesperson for the Irish Presidency of the EU Council. A meeting of EU ambassadors is also scheduled for Monday, August 3, for further assessment and coordination.
