Editor's note: Freddie Reidy, a special commentator for CGTN, is a freelance writer based in London, specializing in international politics. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On July 30 it was unimaginable that the tiny Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the North African coast would witness the sudden arrival of up to 70,000 immigrants. Harder still to imagine that within four days, around 69,500 would have been repatriated to Morocco. While the tide receded as fast as it came in, the dramatic events that cost more than 80 lives will have consequences which will rumble on far into the future.

The Ceuta border also represents a de facto border of the European Union on North African soil. It is therefore no stranger to migratory flare-ups; in 2021, it saw 8,000 people gain entry. Economic immigrants arrive seeking improved socioeconomic circumstance and a passage to the wider European Union guaranteed by the Schengen Agreement that allows freedom of movement between member states within the bloc.  

However, there are two critical misunderstandings. First, Ceuta is not in the Schengen Area. Second, misunderstanding a verdict by Spain's Supreme Court, which stopped the repatriation of an Algerian immigrant to Morocco. This verdict gave rise to the erroneous belief that all arrivals by sea would receive entry.

This triggered the largest humanitarian crisis in Ceuta's history and sent shockwaves through neighboring countries.  

According to Spanish daily El Pais, many people on the neighboring Moroccan beach encouraged those making the journey, telling them entry from the sea would be allowed, feeding the momentum.

The political response in Europe was swift. Italy rapidly suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, demonstrating a rapid fracture of European solidarity.

Italy is no stranger to the impact of mass immigration and across Europe illegal immigration remains high on the political agenda. In making the move, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also likely to have an eye on the 2027 general election.

Even within left-leaning governments, there is a realization that a robust response to illegal immigration is necessary to form a bulwark against the rise of far-right populists.  

In the United Kingdom, new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham felt compelled to state that his government would be "relentless" in curtailing the arrival of immigration boats while the right-wing Reform Party announced a plan for policing the English Channel with Royal Navy vessels to deter immigrants.

In France, right wing veteran and likely 2027 presidential candidate Marine Le Pen went further. Criticizing the high number of residency permits granted under the Emmanuel Macron presidency, she argued that the exploitation of free movement could be stopped at source by aggressive immigration curtailment. "And in 2027," she declared, "we will put an end to this madness by reserving Schengen free movement for EU nationals."

External threats always serve to justify the consolidation of power among the radical left and right. Germany's AFD party co-leader Alice Weidel claimed that "Germany is the likely destination" of Ceuta immigrants, fanning the flames of xenophobia and discord.  

Amid the metaphorical flames, however, there is also a story of actual fire and destruction across France and Spain. As wildfires raged there in recent weeks, the response showed coordination in the face of extreme challenge, which prevented disaster.  

In the same way, European leaders must find the confidence to tell the story of 17 nations working together in the face of one existential threat, and not be intimidated and molded by the challenges of another.

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