Spain and EU Praise Handling of Migrant Surge in Ceuta

Around 72,000 migrants reached the Spanish enclave last week, many by swimming, and most have since returned to Morocco, with a few thousand still present as of Tuesday. At least 75 people died attempting the crossing, according to Spanish authorities. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner said there was "full solidarity with Spain" and that the influx was a "test for the security of the EU's external borders" that Europe had "definitely passed.

No migrant made it from Ceuta to the Schengen area, Spain's Interior Ministry confirmed. Earlier criticism from Italy and Denmark faded, with Danish Migration Minister Morten Bødskov saying he was "very satisfied" with Spain's response, and Italy, which had theatrically threatened to suspend Schengen, reportedly focused on pushing for asylum procedures outside the EU. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt urged that all remaining migrants in Ceuta be returned immediately, and the EU Council said crisis communication should be more coherent. Irish Minister Jim O'Callaghan, whose country holds the EU presidency, stressed that "the EU stands together and is ready to support Spain, praising its rapid reaction.