Italy PM Meloni threatens to suspend Schengen area with Spain over Ceuta migration crisis
Rome, July 31
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that Rome was ready to take "extraordinary measures" to defend Italy's borders and the safety of citizens, including through the suspension of the Schengen area with Spain.
In a statement shared on X, Meloni stressed that the images coming from Ceuta are "striking" and once again demonstrate that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a threat to the security of Europe's borders.
"The images coming from Ceuta are striking and demonstrate, once again, that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a concrete threat to the security of Europe's borders. I have spoken with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Italy will not stand by and watch," Meloni posted on X.
"We are convening the relevant bodies, and following these meetings, we are prepared to intervene with extraordinary measures to defend the borders and the safety of citizens, including the suspension of the Schengen Area with Spain. On illegal immigration, we will not yield an inch: defending the borders, stopping human traffickers, and ensuring effective repatriations will continue to be the line of this Government," she added.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani also made a similar call. In a statement, Tajani termed the Spanish government's decision to grant Spanish and European citizenship to more than 500,000 irregular immigrants "profoundly wrong" and expressed his support for closing the Schengen Area to Spain.
"I am in favor of closing the Schengen Area to Spain and have full confidence in Minister Piantedosi's actions. Irregular and uncontrolled immigration poses a danger to national security. The images coming from Ceuta show how the Madrid Government's decision to grant Spanish, and therefore European, citizenship to over 500,000 irregular immigrants is profoundly wrong and encourages human trafficking," Tajani posted on X.
Italian leadership's statement came as hundreds of people travelled from Morocco to Ceuta by swimming or using inflatable devices to reach Tarajal beach on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described Tajani's statement as "unbecoming" and announced that he has summoned Italy's ambassador.
In response to Tajani's post on X, Albares stated, "This message is unbecoming of the Foreign Minister of a partner and friendly country from which we expect European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery. Today's events are related to a court ruling, having nothing to do with what the tweet says. I have summoned the Italian Ambassador tomorrow."
After many migrants reached Ceuta by swimming, Spain on Thursday announced that it would dispatch additional army in Ceuta to reinforce security, Euro News reported. As many as nine people reportedly died while trying to reach Ceuta. Spain's decision comes after Ceuta's regional president urged Madrid to announce a national emergency and take control of the situation in the autonomous city, stating that local authorities were overwhelmed by an increase in illegal crossings.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is complicated situation. So many people risking their lives swimming to Ceuta shows how desperate they are. But I agree with Meloni that uncontrolled migration puts pressure on host countries. India faces similar challenges with our borders. We need to find humanitarian solutions that also respect national security.
Wait, so Meloni is threatening to suspend Schengen over this? That seems like a huge overreaction. Nine people died trying to reach Ceuta and instead of focusing on humanitarian response, she's playing politics. Spain says this was about a court ruling, not migration policy. India knows too well how political narratives can distort complex issues.
India has faced similar challenges with illegal immigration, especially from Bangladesh. We know how difficult it is to balance humanitarian concerns with security. Italy is right to take a stand, but doing it unilaterally through Schengen suspension might backfire. This needs coordination, not threats. 🙏
Honestly, the hypocrisy of European nations is evident here. They gladly accept migrants when it serves their economy, but the moment pressures rise, they threaten to close borders. As an Indian, I see our own government dealing with similar dilemmas - we need fair policies, not panic reactions. Spain granting citizenship to 500,000 people does seem reckless though.
I think Meloni has a valid point, but the tone needs to be measured. India manages its borders firmly while maintaining diplomatic relations. Spain should have consulted EU partners before such a massive naturalization decision. This could have been handled through proper channels instead of public posturing.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.