European Leaders Criticize Spain's Immigration Policy

Following the recent influx of illegal immigrants to Spain's North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla, 22 European leaders have called for coordinated action against Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's policy on granting legal status to immigrants has been criticized. European Union leaders have demanded the strengthening of external borders and the addressing of policies that attract immigration. Spain has defended its program, stating that it has no relation to the crisis. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the program only applies to immigrants who were already in the country before January 1, 2026, and have been living there continuously for at least five months. It has been reported that at least 67 people have died in the crisis. Spanish and European Union officials claim that none of the immigrants have reached mainland Spain or any other European country.