Migration crisis in Ceuta divides the EU: Italy calls for suspension of Schengen, Brussels refuses

According to a report by Sözcü, the influx of irregular migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta (Sebte) in North Africa has turned into a fierce political debate within the European Union. While Italy has raised the issue of suspending Spain's membership in the Schengen Area, the Madrid administration has characterized these calls as "demagoguery."

It was reported that more than 60 thousand irregular migrants reached Ceuta this week, and 67 people lost their lives during the crisis. The crossings were recorded as the largest influx of irregular migrants ever registered on EU territory in a single day.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the images from Ceuta as "shocking" and stated that "extraordinary measures" must be taken. In a post on her social media account, Meloni stated that they would not take a step back on illegal migration, saying, "Defending borders, stopping human traffickers, and ensuring effective return processes will continue to be the line of this government."

Italy's call received support from Denmark and Finland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the EU should evaluate all options, including the suspension of Schengen cooperation. Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen argued that countries that do not fulfill their obligation to protect their external borders cannot be members of Schengen.

REACTION FROM MADRID: DEMAGOGUERY

The Spanish government responded harshly to Italy's stance. Madrid accused the Rome administration of "engaging in demagoguery" and summoned the Italian Ambassador to Madrid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey its protest.

Statements from the European right targeted Spain's migration policies. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani claimed that the images in Ceuta demonstrate the error of the Madrid administration's decision to grant citizenship to irregular migrants. Manfred Weber, the German leader of the European People's Party, also linked the events to the "pull effect of mass legalization."

Spanish and Italian social democratic politicians, however, evaluated these statements as political opportunism. Spanish S&D MEP Javi Lopez said, "When migration is weaponized, Europe responds with solidarity, not selfishness," adding that Italy's stance is unbecoming of a European partner.

FRANCE AND GERMANY MORE CAUTIOUS

France did not join the call to expel Spain from Schengen but tightened controls on the Spanish border. French President Emmanuel Macron reminded that Ceuta does not provide free movement to the rest of the Schengen area and announced that four mobile police units, aircraft, and drones have been deployed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that protecting the EU's external borders is vital in the fight against illegal migration and called for the implementation of the EU Return Regulation without delay. Portugal also emphasized that the integrity of the Schengen system depends on strict border control and the fight against irregular migration.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the images in Ceuta as "unacceptable." However, Brussels rejected Italy's call to remove Spain from the Schengen free-travel zone.

EU officials stated that they understand the concerns of some governments but that the priority is to ensure the security of external borders. Brussels also pointed out that the crisis concerns the Ceuta enclave on the African continent rather than the European mainland, and that no movement from there towards the European mainland has been detected so far.