EU races to contain new migrant crisis as thousands cross into Spanish territory of Ceuta

Some 60,000 migrants have crossed into the territory from Morocco, the local regional president Juan Jesus Vivas told reporters. Many swam around a small border barrier that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, with 34 people dying in the attempt.

The sudden massive influx has sparked an international crisis for Spain's government, drawing criticism from Germany, Italy and Finland and prompting France to tighten checks on its border with Spain.

Madrid has sent troops, more police, including divers, drones and boats, to boost security in Ceuta. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his interior minister rushed to the enclave on Friday.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on social media, called the scenes at Ceuta "unacceptable", adding: "We cannot allow anyone to come to our (European) Union without abiding by our rules."

Italy on Thursday called for Spain to be suspended from Europe's open-borders Schengen zone, prompting Spain to summon Italy's ambassador and accuse Rome of using the crisis for political gain.

Finland and Denmark on Friday backed Italy's call, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded that Morocco "take back illegal migrants immediately".

Denmark's prime minister also said the EU should consider suspending Spain from the Schengen free movement area after thousands of migrants poured into its north African enclave of Ceuta.

"It goes without saying that the EU must immediately take all necessary measures and consider all options, including a suspension of Schengen cooperation. Uncontrolled immigration poses a threat to Europe and to Denmark," Mette Frederiksen said in a statement sent to AFP.

France and Britain said they stood ready to help Spain with the sudden surge – but France also said it was tightening its border checks with Spain.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)