'Brittle solidarity': What Ceuta tells us about European unity
The recent influx of migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta has sparked questions regarding European unity and the stability of international relations. Analysts are examining potential geopolitical triggers, including shifting alliances between Spain, Morocco, Algeria, and the United States.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the fragility of EU border policies and the complex web of diplomatic tensions that can influence migration crises.
A week after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, the immediate crisis has largely subsided.
Most of those who crossed have returned to Morocco and the border is again under control, but the crisis also left more than 100 people dead. EU ministers have since publicly rallied behind Spain.
But the events in Ceuta have left Europe grappling with questions about what happened, and what the response from some member states indicates about the strength of relationships within the European Union.
The answer is complicated by the fact that it is still unclear what triggered the extraordinary movement of people last week.
Claims that Morocco or other foreign powers deliberately engineered the crisis remain unproven.
Some experts have speculated that recently improved bilateral relations between Spain and Morocco's neighbouring rival, Algeria, may have played a role.
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