The Party of European Socialists (PES) calls for a calm, responsible and fact-based discussion on the recent events in Ceuta.
Recent events have generated widespread confusion, fuelled by false claims about Spain’s migration policy and the legal consequences of a recent ruling by Spain’s Supreme Court.
Contrary to these claims, the ruling does not abolish return procedures, introduce automatic regularisation or create an open route into the Schengen Area. It clarifies that return procedures must be carried out in accordance with Spain’s legal framework and judicial guarantees, reaffirming the importance of the rule of law.
Ceuta also has a unique legal and geographical status within the European Union. The situation there cannot be presented as an opening of the Schengen Area or as evidence that Europe’s external borders have ceased to function. The legal framework governing Ceuta remains unchanged, and the events do not alter the functioning of the Schengen system.
While discussions continue in some Member States about suspending or derogating from common European rules, Spain’s response in Ceuta has remained firmly within the existing legal framework. The events do not demonstrate a failure of European rules, but rather the importance of applying them effectively, consistently and in full respect of the rule of law.
Following the spread of false expectations, Ceuta experienced an exceptional increase in irregular arrivals. Spanish authorities, working together with Morocco and European partners, rapidly mobilised the necessary resources to restore order and protect lives. Within less than 24 hours, around 48,300 of the approximately 50,000 people who had crossed had already returned, demonstrating that cooperation and coordinated action can deliver effective results.
The Party of European Socialists strongly condemns the coordinated disinformation efforts, amplified by actors in the United States, Israel and the European far right, that have sought to spread false claims about Spain’s migration policy, the Spanish Supreme Court ruling and the functioning of the Schengen Area.
Against this backdrop, PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“We mourn the tragic loss of life in Ceuta and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Their deaths remind us that migration is first and foremost a human tragedy that demands responsibility, not political exploitation. When misinformation replaces facts, extremists win. Migration is too important to become another victim of disinformation. The debate must be based on truth, not fear. Europe has the responsibility to protect its external borders, uphold the rule of law and work together against the criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people. Those who deliberately spread falsehoods are not protecting Europe, they are undermining it. Real leadership means providing solutions, not amplifying false narratives.”
Public debate on migration must be based on verified facts rather than misinformation. Exploiting exceptional situations for political gain only benefits those seeking to spread fear and division, while undermining trust in democratic institutions and effective migration management.
The Party of European Socialists remains committed to a common European approach to migration based on responsibility, solidarity, effective management of the EU’s external borders, close cooperation with partner countries, decisive action against criminal trafficking networks, and full respect for international and European law.
