Spain has criticised several EU governments for what it called a “selfish, polarising and unlawful” response after about 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. The dispute matters because it has intensified tensions over migration policy, border security and the Schengen free-movement area.

Spain says it regained control of the border within 48 hours and that almost all arrivals have returned, while the reported death toll has risen to 67. Italy suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain for a month, with Finland and Denmark backing tougher measures; France, Portugal and others have also considered or increased border checks, despite Spain stressing that Ceuta is outside Schengen.