The mass migrant crossing into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta is strengthening the political positions of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, as the European Union prepares emergency talks on the bloc's border security, The Spectator writes.


EU interior ministers are due to hold an emergency video conference on August 4 following last week's unprecedented crossing, during which more than 60,000 Moroccan migrants entered Ceuta. Although most have since returned to Morocco, the incident has reignited debate over migration and the future of the Schengen free movement area.


Meloni, who has built her political platform around stricter border controls, is expected to use the crisis to reinforce her stance ahead of Italy's next general election. According to reports, speculation is growing that she could call an early election as soon as April.


In France, Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally's parliamentary group, called for tighter border controls in response to the events.


"Faced with the massive and coordinated influx of migrants into Spain, encouraged by the Spanish government, France must without delay strengthen controls at its borders," Le Pen wrote.


She added: "And in 2027, we will put an end to this madness by reserving Schengen free movement for EU nationals."


The crisis has also sparked renewed public debate over Europe's open-border system. According to the report, an online poll by a mainstream broadcaster found that 98% of respondents backed Le Pen's proposal, although the poll's methodology was not specified.


The surge into Ceuta occurred at the end of July, when tens of thousands of undocumented migrants reached the Spanish enclave by swimming or crossing on foot around the breakwater separating it from Morocco.


Spanish authorities responded by deploying military personnel to reinforce security. According to the Spanish government, at least 72 people died while attempting to reach Ceuta, and officials say the vast majority of migrants have since returned to Morocco.


By Sabina Mammadli