Schengen area
Coverage of Schengen area in the Nexus archive.
- Wednesday briefing: How misinformation and a hardened immigration policy turned Ceuta into Europe’s latest flashpoint
An estimated 72,000 migrants attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Morocco, leading to 88 deaths. EU interior ministers downplayed the incident's threat to the Schengen area, while media coverage framed it as a territorial threat to Europe, amplifying calls for border security.
- The right’s exploitation of the Ceuta migrant ‘crisis’ almost guarantees that it will happen again | Ruben Andersson
The EU's panic and lack of solidarity over a migrant crisis in Spain's Ceuta enclave have emboldened smugglers and far-right groups. Spain faces criticism from EU leaders and the Trump administration, with calls to suspend it from the Schengen area over alleged migration failures.
- Von der Leyen rallies to support Spain after Ceuta crisis
Von der Leyen praised Spain's handling of the migrant influx in Ceuta, supporting Prime Minister Sánchez amid accusations that EU leaders exploited the crisis to attack his government. Italian PM Meloni proposed suspending Spain from the Schengen Area, prompting a joint EU response to coordinate migration measures.
- Socialist Spanish PM blasts Giorgia Meloni over restored border controls after Ceuta surge, demands emergency meeting
Spanish PM Sánchez criticized Giorgia Meloni for Italy's decision to restore border controls with Spain, citing the surge in migrants in Ceuta. He demanded an emergency meeting over the suspended Schengen Area free-travel arrangements.
- Socialist Spanish PM blasts Meloni over restored border controls after Ceuta surge, demands emergency meeting
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized European leaders for reinstating border controls after a migrant surge in Ceuta, accusing Italy's Giorgia Meloni of suspending Schengen Area free-travel with Spain. Sánchez highlighted Spain's rapid expulsion of nearly all 50,000-60,000 migrants and demanded an emergency EU meeting to address the situation.
- Spain says migrants leaving Ceuta after mass influx in which 67 died
Spain reports that 67 migrants died in Ceuta following a mass influx. The country's foreign minister asserts the Schengen area's integrity remains 'absolutely guaranteed'.
- France ups Spanish border checks as Schengen unity wobbles over Ceuta crisis
France has increased border controls with Spain due to concerns over migrants entering the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which could undermine Schengen area unity. Political reactions across Europe highlight tensions over migration, with calls for stricter border measures and criticism of Spain's immigration policies.
- Deaths reported as an estimated 49,000 people cross into Spain’s African enclave of Ceuta – Europe live
An estimated 49,000 people have crossed into Spain’s African enclave of Ceuta, with deaths reported. Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit the territory, while Italy demands Spain be suspended from the Schengen area over migration concerns. France’s interior minister has ordered immediate border control reinforcements in response.
- The EU has new migration rules. What does that mean?
The EU has implemented new migration rules to address shortcomings revealed during the 2015 migration surge. The reforms aim to increase control over border entries, distribute responsibilities among member states, and boost trust through a 10-reform Pact for Migration and Asylum, including the Eurodac database for tracking asylum seekers and a solidarity pool to support frontline countries.