At the end of July 2026, approximately 80,000 people illegally crossed the border between Morocco and the Spanish autonomous territory of Ceuta in North Africa. This crisis followed the unveiling of an anti-immigration programme by Pedro Sánchez's government, which was meant to introduce measures to crack down on illegal migration. Those involved were largely undocumented migrants not only from Morocco, but from across sub-Saharan Africa. However, no one reached mainland Spain, and no one made it past the borders of the Schengen Area.
Although the crisis was brought under control within 48 hours, with around 70,000 people returning to Morocco, several thousand people remain in Ceuta even weeks later. These individuals are living in inhospitable conditions whilst awaiting legal investigation into their border crossings. Ceuta's population nearly doubled following the outbreak of the crisis, prompting the city's leadership to call for greater assistance from EU officials.
The crisis in Ceuta has exposed differing attitudes towards migration within the European Union. Whilst countries neighbouring Spain, such as Italy, introduced border controls, states like the Czech Republic, Finland, and Denmark organised a meeting of EU leaders. At this meeting, they drafted a joint letter reiterating the argument that Spain's anti-immigration programme had contributed to the Ceuta crisis. Although Ursula von der Leyen offered EU assistance to Spain, this support was initially limited. Ceuta has demonstrated how the Schengen Area can become not only an instrument of solidarity, but also a tool for political bargaining.
Speculation has also emerged that the crisis was orchestrated by Morocco, which has laid claim to the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla for years. However, Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly denied these rumours. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People's Party (Partido Popular), described the crisis as "coordinated by Morocco". The crisis has stirred fierce emotions across Spain, with protests breaking out in Madrid, Seville, Valencia, and other cities in support of Ceuta.
According to the latest polls reported by Politico, Spaniards fear a future conflict with Morocco triggered by the Ceuta crisis. Notably, the polls further revealed that even supporters of Pedro Sánchez's Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) regard Morocco as a threat in terms of security risk.
To express support amid the situation, Spain's King Felipe VI is scheduled to visit Ceuta and Melilla. It marks the first visit in nearly twenty years, and the event will be closely watched from both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar as well as from Rabat. One can only hope that the situation improves, diplomatic relations between the countries are strengthened, and the EU develops more effective mechanisms to combat illegal migration in the future.
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