Italy Seeks Spain's Schengen Suspension Amidst Ceuta Migrant Surge

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for Spain's suspension from the Schengen Area of free movement on Thursday, condemning what he described as "irregular and uncontrolled immigration." The proposal followed the arrival of hundreds of migrants in Ceuta, Spain's North African enclave, after they crossed from Morocco.

Spanish Civil Guard reported that migrants overwhelmed police at the city's breakwater after swimming from the Moroccan side. State television TVE indicated that between 2,000 and 3,000 young people crossed the border. The Spanish state news agency EFE reported hundreds climbing the protective fence, which was not under police supervision at the time, to enter Ceuta.

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I support the closure of the Schengen space with Spain.

During the chaotic crossing, nine migrants died. Spanish military forces are dispatching 60 personnel to bolster the police presence. Ceuta, along with Melilla, another Spanish city in North Africa, forms the European Union's only land border with Africa and frequently experiences surges of migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Tajani's strong stance reflects growing tensions within Europe over migration management and border control. The incident in Ceuta highlights the persistent challenges faced by countries on the EU's southern frontier.

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irregular and uncontrolled immigration