Sweden Criticizes Spain's Migration Policy Amid 2026 Ceuta Crisis

In response to the recent migrant crisis at the Spanish enclave Ceuta, Sweden has taken a critical stance on Spain's migration policies and offered support through the EU. Around 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta last week, resulting in over 70 deaths from drowning and crowding. Most migrants have since returned to Morocco. The Spanish government has called for EU solidarity, preparing for an emergency meeting to address the situation.

Sweden's Migration Minister, Johan Forssell, has warned that Spain's offer of residency and work permits to at least half a million illegal migrants encouraged the recent crisis. Forssell emphasized that Spain must regain control of its external borders, highlighting concerns about the wider implications for the EU's principle of free movement. He described the situation as unsustainable and anticipated sharp criticism of Spain during the forthcoming EU meeting.

Drawing on Sweden's experience from the 2014-2015 migration wave, when more than 244,000 asylum seekers arrived, Forssell stressed that Sweden adjusted its policies accordingly, contrasting with Spain's approach. He also expressed uncertainty over whether Sweden would be required to accept migrants through the EU's solidarity mechanism, a step he described as premature. Forssell further noted Sweden's readiness to assist Spain via the EU's border agency Frontex if requested.

However, the Swedish government's position has sparked debate domestically. The Social Democrats accused Forssell and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of politicizing the crisis, while Annika Hirvonen, migration spokesperson for the Green Party, criticized Forssell's refusal to accept migrants as lacking empathy. Forssell defended his stance, stating the crisis results from the policies Hirvonen supports.

The crisis has also heightened tensions within the EU. Italy recently paused its Schengen cooperation with Spain, demonstrating the strain across member states. The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has called for unity and offered support to Spain to manage the crisis.

As the EU convenes to tackle the Ceuta crisis, Sweden remains firm that Spain must control its borders, cautioning that migration policies encouraging illegal entry risk exacerbating regional instability.