Italy wants Spain out of Schengen over immigration chaos

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for Spain to be expelled from the Schengen Area, citing concerns over the country's handling of immigration and its perceived impact on national security. The statement comes in response to a recent surge of hundreds of Africans crossing into Ceuta, a Spanish city located in Morocco.

Tajani expressed his view on the social media platform X, stating, "I am in favor of expelling Spain from Schengen. The uncontrolled flow of immigrants threatens our national security." He specifically pointed to the recent decision by Spanish authorities to grant citizenship to 500,000 irregular immigrants, which he described as a "wrong" move that encourages human trafficking.

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I am in favor of expelling Spain from Schengen. The uncontrolled flow of immigrants threatens our national security.

Adding to the strong rhetoric, Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini went a step further, advocating for the complete abolition of the Schengen Agreement to better protect Europe's borders. The situation in Ceuta highlights the ongoing challenges and political tensions surrounding migration within the European Union.

This call from Italian officials underscores a growing divergence in approaches to immigration policy among EU member states. The Schengen Area, designed to facilitate free movement, is facing increased scrutiny as countries grapple with managing external borders and internal security in the face of significant migratory pressures.

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What we are seeing now in Ceuta is proof that the decision to grant citizenship to 500,000 irregular immigrants is wrong and encourages human trafficking.