The recent debate within the European Parliament regarding the situation in Ceuta quickly devolved into a heated internal conflict, exposing deep fissures among the political groups typically aligned with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Just a day before her critical State of the Union address, the usual centrist majority found itself at odds, primarily over the handling and implications of the mass irregular migrant crossings into the Spanish exclave. The events of July 30-31 saw approximately 80,000 people cross the border, a surge that tragically resulted in over 150 deaths, and has since become a focal point for political recrimination.
At the heart of the dispute were the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the two dominant factions. Socialist leader Iratxe García Pérez launched a direct accusation, stating the EPP had been “exploiting Ceuta for more than a month with the sole aim of attacking the Spanish government.” Socialist MEPs largely defended Spain’s government, simultaneously criticizing other EU nations for what they perceived as a lack of solidarity. Notably, Italian Socialist MEP Sandro Ruotolo singled out Italy, questioning its decision to extend border checks with Spain. He drew a sharp parallel, remarking, “Meloni asked for solidarity for Lampedusa and denies it for Ceuta,” suggesting a double standard in migration policy.
Conversely, EPP lawmakers used their platform to condemn the Spanish government, accusing it of failing to prevent an “invasion” of European territory. Spanish MEP Dolors Montserrat cited leaked police reports and intelligence warnings, asserting, “The police warned him. The intelligence services sent reports. […] Sánchez knew it and went on vacation for 25 days.” These criticisms extended beyond the immediate crisis, touching upon broader Spanish migration policies, including a controversial plan to regularize thousands of undocumented migrants, a measure not directly tied to the Ceuta events. Dutch EPP MEP Jeroen Lenaers articulated this broader concern, stating that Spain “asked for solidarity after resisting common tools needed to prevent crises and initiated mass regularisation even though there was no agreement on this in Europe.”
The upcoming resolution on the matter, scheduled for a vote next Thursday, is anticipated to further highlight these divisions. Amendments are expected to be vigorously contested, with the EPP likely pushing for language critical of Spain’s crisis management, while the Socialists will undoubtedly seek to soften any accusations. Migration itself is also slated to be a significant topic in von der Leyen’s State of the Union address, where proposals for more restrictive asylum measures and an enhanced role for the EU border agency Frontex are expected.
Beyond the clashes between the EPP and S&D, the debate also featured provocative interventions from the far-right and radical left, leading to several heated exchanges. Podemos MEP Isabel Serra Sánchez accused far-right colleagues of fostering a “hate laboratory” by advocating for migrants to be “hunted,” attributing this rhetoric to attacks against migrants in Ceuta. Her remarks were swiftly challenged by Diego Solier of The Party Is Over, who raised concerns about alleged sexual assaults by migrants. The session saw further disruptions, including Vox MEP Jorge Buxadé Villalba shouting during an intervention, and non-attached MEP Alvise Pérez claiming insults from left-wing colleagues, leading to a rare reprimand from Parliament Vice-President Younous Omarjee. The intensity of the discussion was perhaps best encapsulated when, following a passionate speech by League MEP Susanna Ceccardi warning of a European “invasion” by irregular migrants, Swedish liberal MEP Abir Al-Sahlani retorted with a pointed question: “Do you know where Ceuta is?” This exchange underscored not only the emotional volatility of the topic but also a perceived disconnect among some members regarding the specific geographical and political realities at play.
