Spain PM Pedro Sanchez faces backlash by EU over Ceuta migrant crisis response

European Union interior ministers are meeting to discuss last week's mass migrant crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faces mounting criticism from some European leaders over his government's response.

More than 60,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco last week, triggering a humanitarian emergency.

Spanish and Moroccan authorities said more than 80 migrants died, with many drowning or being crushed during the crossings.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said that by Saturday "almost all" of those who entered had returned to Morocco and the situation had largely returned to normal.

The emergency meeting, convened by Ireland, comes after 22 EU member states called for "coordinated action and the strengthening of external borders".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Spain's handling of the crisis and announced temporary air and sea border controls with Spain.

Sanchez rejected the move, saying Italy's position was "contrary to European law, humanitarian law, and the principles of solidarity that bind us together".

Spain has defended its response, arguing that misinformation about a recent Supreme Court ruling encouraged thousands of migrants to attempt the crossing.

A senior Moroccan official told AFP the ruling had fuelled confusion, saying: "We discussed this ruling and its impact. We explained that this ruling was going to create a problem. And it did create a problem."