Spain has reported that migrant crossings into its North African enclave of Ceuta ceased overnight as police began installing a 500-metre floating barrier off its border with Morocco on Saturday, August 1st, 2026. This follows a mass rush that resulted in at least 67 deaths.

The incident alarmed the European Union, prompting 22 member states to call for coordinated measures to protect external borders. Ireland, holding the rotating EU presidency, announced an emergency video conference meeting of interior ministers scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, to address the crisis.

Spain's centre-left Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, criticized Italy's decision to suspend passport-free Schengen travel arrangements with Madrid for one month. In a letter to the EU Commission and European Council presidents, Sánchez stated, "In the current international context, the EU cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction."

Spanish authorities said more than 48,000 of the approximately 50,000 people who crossed into Ceuta by land and sea had returned to Morocco within 48 hours. Madrid also clarified that those who entered Ceuta irregularly are not permitted to travel onward to mainland Spain or other Schengen Area countries.

The newly installed pneumatic barrier, accompanied by anchored naval buoys, is designed to stand 30 to 70 centimetres above water and extend up to one metre below the surface. A channel between the barriers allows Spain's Civil Guard vessels to patrol the area. The AUGC union for Spain's Civil Guard has requested reinforcement of at least 200 officers and cautioned that additional efforts are needed to prevent migrants from swimming around the inflatable barrier.

Spain has rejected claims that a recent regularisation scheme encouraged the rush into Ceuta, noting that applicants must prove residence in Spain before January 1, 2026, and have maintained five continuous months of residence when applying.

Additionally, Spain emphasized that Morocco remains a fully reliable partner and is not a threat to Ceuta or the rest of Spain.

Sources