Denmark closely watching migrant arrivals in Spanish exclave Ceuta

Thousands of migrants have flooded into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, prompting close monitoring by the Danish government. Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration Morten Bødskov stressed the need to bolster EU borders, stating, "EU's borders must not be weakened. They must, on the contrary, be strengthened." He highlighted the crucial role of effective Schengen cooperation, asserting that member states are responsible for protecting external borders.

This situation has drawn international attention, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urging Spain's suspension from the Schengen agreement. Meloni expressed concern on social media, suggesting extraordinary measures might be necessary. The Schengen agreement facilitates free movement among 29 member states.

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has adopted a more open migration policy compared to its European neighbors, who have tightened restrictions on illegal immigration. Spain has introduced a measure offering a one-year residency permit to undocumented migrants, which can be extended.

Video footage from Ceuta, located off Morocco's coast, shows migrants swimming to the exclave using flotation devices like inflated tire tubes. Others, including children, reportedly scaled border fences. According to an unnamed Spanish government spokesperson cited by AFP, nine people died attempting to reach Ceuta. Opposition parties in Spain have criticized the government's migration policy, with some blaming Sánchez for the escalating crisis.