Italy's decision to suspend Schengen with Spain divides Europe

According to a report by Sözcü, the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco to Ceuta, Spain's autonomous city in North Africa, has triggered a new crisis within the European Union. Italy's decision to temporarily suspend the Schengen free movement regime with Spain, citing the migration influx, has ignited controversy.

Although the Spanish government announced that almost all of the migrants who crossed into Ceuta had returned to Morocco, the images of the congestion at the border have resonated widely on the international stage.

EXTRAORDINARY MEASURE FROM ITALY

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that they have suspended the Schengen regime for sea and air connections with Spain and reinstated border controls to protect national security. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that this measure would remain in effect throughout August.

However, the fact that Ceuta is not currently part of the Schengen area has raised questions about the practical effectiveness of Italy's move. The Italian press and opposition emphasize that it is unclear how the controls will be implemented and that major chaos could occur at airports during the summer season.

DOMESTIC POLITICAL CRITICISM

Opposition parties in Italy are accusing the Meloni government of using the fear of migration to consolidate the far-right electorate ahead of upcoming elections. Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein stated that the government is acting ideologically and accused Meloni of "acting like Trump's agent in Europe."

Sandro Gozi, Secretary-General of the European Democratic Party in the European Parliament, also argued that the decision was not a move against Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, but rather a maneuver aimed at far-right rivals in Italy.

SHARP REACTION FROM SPAIN

The reaction from Spain to Italy's decision was swift. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reminded that Ceuta is not part of Schengen and stated that the issue is being used for political purposes.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressing his concern over the stance of some European governments. Sanchez stated that they had secured the border in less than 48 hours and had returned almost all of the migrants.

Emphasizing that Spain has one of the most secure external borders of the EU, Sanchez pointed out that the number of irregular migrants entering the EU through Italy's borders is double that of Spain. Sanchez requested an urgent extraordinary meeting of EU Interior Ministers to find a common solution.

News Source: 12punto