EU calls emergency migration meeting after 50,000–60,000 migrants enter Spain's Ceuta in three days

An estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta between July 30 and August 1, 2026, overwhelming local reception centres; at least 72 people died in the crossing. Ireland, holding the rotating EU presidency, convened an emergency video conference of EU interior ministers on August 2 after 22 member states signed a joint letter demanding 'coordinated action and strengthening of external borders.' Italy suspended Schengen open-border rules with Spain, France announced a five-fold increase in border police, and European People's Party leader Manfred Weber called for Frontex to be given binding enforcement powers over member states unwilling to secure the EU's external borders.