Spain Urges Fast EU Action on Ceuta Border Crossing
More than 50000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. This happened Thursday and Friday.
Ceuta is a Spanish territory in north Africa. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to the crossing.
He called for an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers. Sánchez criticized some EU countries' response to the crossing.
He called their actions selfish polarizing and unlawful. Sánchez said the crossing violated Spain's territorial sovereignty according to reports.
Spain reportedly sent about 200 police officers to Ceuta. It also sent 60 troops there.
Reports say 67 people died during the crossing. Most people who crossed have voluntarily returned to Morocco.
The crossing has reportedly caused tension within the European Union. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly threatened to suspend border-free travel rules with Spain.
Meanwhile France asked for stronger border controls. A New York Times reporter visited Ceuta to cover the story.
Key Terms 3
- Ceuta A Spanish territory located on the north African coast.
- Schengen Agreement A deal letting people travel across many European countries without border checks.
- EU European Union — a group of European countries working together.