EU agency coordinating external-border control across Schengen
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Spain has imposed reciprocal border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome has kept controls that it introduced following a deadly mass crossing into Ceuta on 30–31 July. Italy has said it will not lift checks until it is satisfied there is no new migration wave or security risk. The dispute has fractured EU unity and left thousands still in Ceuta.
More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July; tens died and thousands returned, but several thousand — including many children — have remained, straining services and provoking near‑daily protests across Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denied Moroccan responsibility, blamed traffickers and disinformation, and pledged extra funds and reception places.
The Greek coast guard has rescued 51 people after a migrant boat sank near Gavdos, south of Crete. Reports say 77 were aboard; one person has died and 25 remain missing. Rescue operations involve two boats, four ships, a coastguard helicopter and Frontex, with deteriorating weather hindering efforts.
EU interior ministers meet in Luxembourg amid a Ceuta migration surge. Ministers back stronger border management, return hubs abroad, and expanded Frontex powers, while debates over asylum, expulsions, and emergency tools intensify. The talks reflect ongoing tensions between humanitarian commitments and migration control.
Twelve migrants have died after boats capsized in separate incidents near Lesbos and Samos as Greek authorities pursue smugglers and step up rescue operations. Around 15 people have been rescued, with a suspected smuggler detained. The EU reports a continued surge in irregular crossings despite occasional declines.
Greek authorities have recovered 13 bodies from a migrant boat found about 15 nautical miles south of Crete and 18 survivors were rescued by a passing Moroccan‑flagged cargo ship; one survivor later died, taking the confirmed death toll to 14. Frontex and the coastguard have also found three other boats carrying more than 180 people and are taking them to Crete today.