Italy stands with Spain on migration but urges responsibility for policies

Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister, Edmondo Cirielli, has conveyed solidarity with Spain concerning migration challenges while simultaneously urging Madrid to accept responsibility for its policy decisions. Cirielli stated that while Italy values its friendship with Spain, it cannot ignore the implications of Spain's recent regularization of migrants. He suggested that this move, which Italy and several other European nations had opposed, likely acted as a catalyst, prompting a surge of individuals to travel towards Europe.

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We are absolutely in solidarity with Spain, even in its role of de-escalation with Morocco.

Cirielli clarified that Italy's border controls are not a suspension of the Schengen agreement but rather an application of the Dublin Regulation, a measure also employed by France and Germany. He acknowledged Spain's "evident tension" with Moroccan authorities and affirmed Italy's support for Spain's efforts to de-escalate the situation. However, he stressed that security remains Italy's top priority, and for this reason, Italy requires Spain to "assume its responsibilities."

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There is a priority that is security. On this, we ask Spain to assume its responsibilities: it decided on a regularization to which Italy and many other countries had opposed. It was precisely that prospect that pushed this mass of young people to move.

The deputy minister highlighted Italy's own vulnerability to migratory pressures and the complexities arising from differing judicial interpretations of national laws. He noted that while Italy strives to deport irregular migrants, certain judicial rulings have allowed individuals involved in criminal activities, such as drug dealing and robbery, to remain in the country. Cirielli believes this situation necessitates a unified European approach to ensure consistent judicial behavior across the continent.

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We try to expel irregulars but we are faced with the rulings of a small part of the judiciary. Thus, we find ourselves with those responsible for dealing, robbery, resistance to law enforcement who continue to stay in Italy.

Cirielli also pointed out that Spain's retaliatory measures, which affect Italian citizens traveling to Spain, are counterproductive. He stated that Italy had merely announced a review of measures, not issued threats or ultimatums. He expressed hope that the situation would not escalate and reiterated that if no further critical incidents occur, Italy would reconsider its controls. Cirielli emphasized that dialogue, not ultimatums, should guide relations between allied nations.

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Look, it's not that we made threats and issued ultimatums. In fact, we said that we would carry out a check in August. Nobody wants to exasperate the situation. But at the moment their retaliation also affects Italians.