Key facts
- Over 60,000 migrants entered Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco in one day.
- Italy has called for Spain's suspension from the Schengen visa-free travel zone.
- Finland and Denmark have backed Italy's request for suspension.
- France, Portugal, and Germany have focused on protecting EU borders.
- The European Commission is coordinating with Spain and Morocco.
- EU officials have rejected Italy's call for Spain's suspension from Schengen.
Italy has called for Spain to be suspended from the European Union's visa-free Schengen travel zone following an unprecedented surge of over 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the images as 'shocking' and demanded 'extraordinary measures.'
Spain reacted strongly, summoning Italy's ambassador to protest the 'demagoguery.' Finland and Denmark have aligned with Italy's call for suspension, citing a failure to protect external borders. However, France, Portugal, and Germany have adopted a less confrontational stance, emphasizing the need to protect EU borders.
Leading right-wing figures across Europe echoed Italy's concerns, linking the influx to Spain's regularization policies and calling for stricter border enforcement. Conversely, left-wing politicians criticized these attacks as opportunistic and 'right-wing propaganda,' advocating for European solidarity.
France has increased border checks with Spain but noted Ceuta's special status outside the main Schengen free movement area. Germany's Chancellor called for the immediate implementation of the EU Return Regulation. The European Commission acknowledged concerns but rejected Italy's suspension proposal, stressing the priority of securing external borders and noting that the arrivals were in Ceuta, not mainland Europe.