Spain attacks 'selfish' response of some EU countries to Ceuta migrant crossings

Spain has condemned the "selfish, polarising and unlawful" reaction of some EU countries to the influx of about 60,000 migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Spanish officials say almost all those who reached Ceuta on 30 July have returned, while Spain's interior minister said on Saturday that the death toll from the surge in crossings had risen to at least 67.

Italy temporarily suspended the EU's border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, as PM Giorgia Meloni called the scenes "shocking". Finland and Denmark backed Italy's move, while Czech PM Andrej Babiš urged a temporary suspension of Spain's Schengen membership.

EU interior ministers will meet on Tuesday by video conference to discuss the issue.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had called for an urgent meeting to "reaffirm that the security of our external borders is a shared responsibility of all Member States".

Twenty-two of the EU's 27 countries also called for emergency talks in an open letter, citing "serious concerns" regarding the developments in Ceuta.

The nations "welcome that Spain and Morocco are cooperating closely to ensure the swift return of migrants", but said a video conference would help reach agreement on mobilising EU instruments and support for Spain to restore "effective control" of the border and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.

In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he had "serious concerns" about some European governments.