Spain has condemned the "selfish, divisive and illegal" reaction of several European Union countries following the entry of around 60 migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
According to Spanish authorities, almost all the migrants who crossed the border on July 30 have returned to Morocco. Meanwhile, Spain's Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced that the death toll has reached at least 67.
The development comes after Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the scenes from Ceuta as "shocking".
Italy's move was also supported by Finland and Denmark, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis called for the temporary suspension of Spain's membership in the Schengen area.
In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed "serious concern" about the stance of some European governments.
He stressed that Spanish authorities restored full control at the border and prevented any unauthorized movement of migrants towards continental Europe in less than 48 hours.
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Sanchez said that, while most member states showed solidarity with Spain, some governments chose to attack it “driven by prejudice, misinformation, ignorance or political interests.” He also recalled that Ceuta is not part of the Schengen area.
"The European Union cannot afford such a selfish, divisive and illegal reaction," Sanchez declared.
