European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for "united action" on border security following the chaotic entry of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. The influx has strained relations among EU member states, with several countries criticising Spain's handling of the situation and Italy temporarily suspending its Schengen arrangement with the country, prompting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to accuse some governments of acting out of "prejudice, fake news, ignorance, or political interest".

Spain says around 69,500 migrants have now returned to Morocco, higher than initial estimates of 50,000, with 72 deaths recorded on the Spanish side of the border and 11 on the Moroccan side. EU interior ministers are due to hold emergency video talks on Tuesday, with von der Leyen urging the bloc to focus on five areas: preventing irregular migration through partner cooperation, strengthening external borders, early warning systems, dismantling smuggling networks, and reinforcing returns. Spain's interior minister said the situation had largely returned to normal and that the country was developing an inflatable sea barrier to deter further crossings.