The European Union will hold emergency talks on Aug 5 to address the migration crisis in Ceuta, following a dispute between Spain and some member states. 22 EU countries have called for a coordinated response and stronger external border controls after around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco.

Spain has criticised what it called a polarising response from some European governments after Italy suspended the EU’s border-free Schengen arrangement with Spain, a move supported by Finland and Denmark. Officials said nearly all migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 have since returned, while at least 67 people have died during the surge in crossings.

The EU countries warned that uncontrolled migration could undermine confidence in the bloc’s common migration policy. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said his government had restored control of the border and prevented unauthorised movement into mainland Europe.