Overview
- Tens of thousands crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in a matter of days last week, overwhelming shelters and local services and prompting Spanish authorities to recover dozens of bodies.
- Official tallies differ: Madrid reports at least 72 deaths while Moroccan authorities give a much lower figure, and recovery and identification operations are ongoing in Ceuta.
- Local officials say about 860 unaccompanied minors remain in Ceuta and that most adults have returned to Morocco or been returned, leaving children in precarious conditions and crowded reception centers.
- EU interior ministers are holding an urgent videoconference to agree immediate aid and Frontex support, to discuss steps against social media disinformation and to consider proposals such as asylum processing outside the Union.
- The episode has deepened political rifts: some member states demand tougher external controls and third‑country asylum procedures while others call for solidarity with Spain and joint pressure on Morocco over its role in the crossings.