Migrants: Urgent EU Summit on Ceuta, Meloni's Request Accepted

Italy and Denmark spearheaded an initiative calling for an urgent European Union meeting to address the escalating migration crisis, particularly in light of events in Ceuta. A letter signed by leaders from 22 EU countries was sent to top EU officials, urging a unified response to deter and combat illegal migration.

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We have the duty to effectively discourage and relentlessly combat illegal migration.

The joint letter, also supported by other nations, directly addresses the European Council President, the European Commission President, and the current Council President. It emphasizes the "duty to effectively discourage and relentlessly combat illegal migration." While expressing support for Spain, the letter implicitly criticizes certain policies that may act as "pull factors," such as the regularization of a large number of irregular migrants.

Significantly, France and Portugal, despite sharing long borders with Spain, did not co-sign the letter. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated solidarity with Spain and called for "joint action against clandestine immigration." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, before beginning his summer holidays, also called for a meeting of the 27 member states to find a "common response."

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A selfish, polarizing, and illegal reaction of some European partners.

However, Sánchez strongly criticized what he termed the "selfish, polarizing, and illegal reaction of some European partners." He argued that such attitudes, fueled by prejudice or misinformation, are contrary to European law, humanitarian principles, and the long-term interests of Europe. He also pointed out that Spain, according to Frontex data, has one of the EU's least permeable external borders, with fewer irregular entries than Italy in recent years.

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Such an attitude – fueled by prejudice, fake news, ignorance or political interests – is not only contrary to European law, humanitarian law and the principles of solidarity that unite us. It is also contrary to the long-term interests of Europe.