Blurb: Spanish authorities reportedly deployed additional army personnel to reinforce security in the autonomous city
Rome
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has warned that Italy could adopt “extraordinary measures,” including suspending Schengen arrangements with Spain, following a surge in irregular migration to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
In a statement posted on X, Meloni said the scenes emerging from Ceuta highlighted the security risks posed by uncontrolled illegal immigration along Europe’s borders. She said she had discussed the situation with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and that the government would not remain passive.
Meloni said reiterated her government’s commitment to combating human trafficking, strengthening border controls and ensuring effective repatriation of irregular migrants.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also supported the possibility of restricting Schengen arrangements with Spain. He criticised the Spanish government’s decision to grant Spanish and European citizenship to more than 500,000 irregular migrants, arguing that the move could encourage human trafficking and pose risks to national security.
The comments followed reports that hundreds of migrants travelled from Morocco to Ceuta on Thursday, with many attempting to reach Tarajal beach by swimming or using inflatable devices.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares strongly criticised Tajani’s remarks, describing them as inappropriate for the foreign minister of a partner and friendly European country. Albares said Spain expected European solidarity rather than partisan rhetoric and announced that he had summoned Italy’s ambassador.
Albares also said the developments in Ceuta were linked to a court ruling and were unrelated to the claims made by Tajani regarding citizenship policy.
Reports said at least nine people died while attempting to reach Ceuta. The region’s president urged the Spanish government to declare a national emergency and assume greater control, saying local authorities were overwhelmed by the sharp increase in irregular crossings.
Quote
Relevant authorities were being convened to consider possible measures aimed at protecting Italy’s borders and ensuring public safety.
- Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister
