Media: Spain urges EU action over Ceuta migration crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has formally lodged a complaint with Brussels over the response of several European Union member states to the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and called for an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers.

Sánchez raised concerns over what Spain considers an inadequate European response to the unprecedented influx of migrants into the North African territory, El País reports.

The Spanish prime minister has also requested an extraordinary meeting of the interior ministers of EU member states to discuss the crisis and coordinate a common response.

Earlier, a growing group of European countries called for action against Spain over migration pressures in its North African enclave of Ceuta, including proposals to suspend the country's membership in the Schengen Area. 

The move follows a mass crossing into Ceuta on July 30, when tens of thousands of migrants reached the Spanish enclave by swimming or walking around the breakwater separating it from Morocco.

Local authorities in Ceuta estimated that around 60,000 migrants entered the territory, while Spain's Interior Ministry put the figure at approximately 50,000.

Authorities also said at least 67 people died while attempting to reach Ceuta.

By Sabina Mammadli