Hybrid war hypocrisy: How the migrant attack on Spain shattered the ‘EU solidarity’ delusion

    Brussels’ kid-gloves response is a far cry from its united front against Belarus in 2021

    The EU has responded to the migrant invasion of Ceuta with watery statements on solidarity, and a stone-faced refusal to blame Morocco for opening its borders. But when Brussels could blame Russia, it sang a different tune.

    Read more
    Thousands of migrants cross the border between Ceuta and Morocco, on 31 July, 2026 in Ceuta, Spain
    Why did nearly 60,000 migrants suddenly storm the border into Spain?

    As nearly 60,000 north African migrants poured into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday and Friday, right-wing and center-right European leaders immediately blamed Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had only three months earlier granted legal status to 500,000 illegal immigrants.

    Sanchez refused calls from local authorities in Ceuta to declare a national emergency, but deployed a token force of 60 troops to the exclave – a gesture perceived by the European right as inadequate.

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was first to respond, calling for Spain’s exclusion from the EU’s border-free Schengen Area. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares replied angrily, demanding “European solidarity, not partisan demagoguery” from Italy. Nevertheless, Italy suspended visa-free entry from Spain on Friday evening.

    There was little sympathy for Spain on the European right, with the following leaders and officials joining Meloni in blaming the migrant surge on Sanchez’ policies:

    • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk – demanded Spain secure its borders “if Schengen is to survive”

    • Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker – threatened to close Austria’s borders, accused Sanchez of creating “additional incentive for illegal migration”

    • Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen – said EU should consider suspending Spain from Schengen

    • Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson – demanded Spain regain control of its borders

    • Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis – called for Spain’s suspension from Schengen

    • Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen – backed the Schengen suspension

    • French President Emmanuel Macron – announced preparations to strengthen France’s internal border with Spain 

    Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico took a different tone, criticizing the “hypocrisy” of EU leaders who oppose illegal immigration, but “only a few years ago, through their lax approach, allowed illegal migrants to enter EU countries in massive numbers, causing serious crises.” Fico condemned proposals to boot Spain from Schengen, and offered the Spanish government assistance in securing its borders.

    Latest Posts