Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday called on European Union member states to remain united after several countries reportedly urged the temporary suspension of Spain from the Schengen Area following the unprecedented migration wave into the city of Ceuta.
Writing on X, Sánchez rejected calls for division, stressing that the bloc should stand together in addressing migration challenges.
"Now is not the time for division. Now is the time to continue building a strong and united European Union," he wrote.
The Spanish prime minister cited figures from the EU's border agency, Frontex, arguing that Spain has not been the main gateway for irregular migration into Europe in recent years. According to the data he shared, 478,600 irregular migrants entered through Italy between 2021 and 2026, compared with 340,600 via the Western Balkans, 259,800 through Greece and 234,800 through Spain.
"Solidarity and empathy are a matter of choice. Compliance with European treaties and respect for the data are not," Sánchez added.
Earlier on Friday, media reports said authorities in several EU countries, including Italy, the Czech Republic, Finland and Denmark, had called for Spain's temporary suspension from the Schengen Area after tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the city of Ceuta. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said she was considering suspending Italy's participation in the Schengen arrangements with Spain in response to the crisis.
The migration surge began on Thursday, when thousands of mostly young Moroccans gathered near the border and attempted to reach the enclave, many by swimming. Spanish officials estimated that around 60,000 people entered Ceuta within 24 hours, although Spanish media later reported that roughly 25,000 had already returned voluntarily to Morocco. The crisis has prompted Spain to reinforce security in the city while Morocco has intensified efforts to prevent further irregular crossings.
