Ceuta migrant crisis: Spain's PM condemns 'selfish' EU response as death toll rises

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has criticised what he called the European Union's "selfish" response to the migrant crisis in Ceuta, as the death toll from the mass border crossings rose to 67.

According to Reuters, between 50,000 and 60,000 people attempted to enter the Spanish enclave from Morocco this week, although Spanish authorities said most had returned to Morocco by Friday evening.

Many of those who died are believed to have drowned while trying to cross by land and sea, overwhelming border guards.

In a letter quoted by European media, Sánchez condemned the “selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction” of some EU countries after Italy introduced temporary border controls on travellers from Spain and France increased checks along its border.

He also wrote that “such an attitude” was “driven by prejudice, fake news, ignorance or political interest.”

“In the current international context, the European Union cannot afford this kind of selfish, polarising and unlawful reaction.”

According to Reuters, Ireland, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, has called an emergency meeting of ministers to discuss the situation.

Spanish authorities said they will continue efforts to remove people who entered the country irregularly and have begun installing a floating barrier near Ceuta's Tarajal breakwater to strengthen border controls following a recent Supreme Court ruling.