The European Union has praised Spain’s response to the migrant crisis in Ceuta following an emergency meeting of EU interior ministers.

Spanish authorities said about 72,000 migrants crossed into the North African territory between July 30 and 31, with around 70,000 later returned to Morocco.

At least 75 people died on the Spanish side of the border, while 11 deaths were reported in Morocco.

The EU said migration requires a united response despite earlier criticism from some member states.