The European Union is due to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday as tensions rise over a large-scale migration incident in Ceuta, the Spanish-controlled enclave in North Africa.
The number of people who entered Ceuta from Morocco was estimated at about 60,000.
Spanish authorities said at least 67 people died while trying to cross the border by sea.
Spain’s government said that most people who reached Ceuta on 30 July had already left or been returned.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said conditions in the enclave were nearing normal and that work was under way on a barrier intended to deter sea crossings.
A joint letter involving 22 EU member states called for coordinated action and stronger protection of the bloc’s external borders.
The letter warned that a perception that irregular entry into the EU is possible could encourage further crossings and weaken confidence in the bloc’s common migration policy.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that Spain had restored full control of its border in less than 48 hours.
Sánchez criticised the stance of several European governments as selfish, divisive and unlawful.
Italy announced a temporary suspension of a Schengen-related arrangement with Spain, while Finland and Denmark were associated with calls for renewed border controls.
France and Portugal were also considering tighter border checks, Italy said.
Von der Leyen described the situation as unacceptable and called for adherence to rules.