Tajani: Spain's Schengen suspension reaction 'unacceptable'

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has strongly criticized Spain's decision to suspend the Schengen free movement treaty and implement border controls, deeming it "incomprehensible and totally unacceptable." Tajani asserted that Italy's own suspension of Schengen was a necessary measure due to an extraordinary situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa.

"Even today, the mayor (of Ceuta) states that between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants remain there. And thousands are sub-Saharan Africans who cannot be repatriated," Tajani said in an interview. He expressed bewilderment at Spain's reaction, despite Spanish government figures suggesting a lower number of migrants. Tajani cited intelligence reports indicating a risk of a new migrant wave in mid-August, framing Spain's continued suspension as a precautionary measure and accusing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of dramatizing the situation.

Tajani emphasized that Spain is part of the Schengen area and that the risk stems from the movement of non-Moroccan migrants. He questioned their destinations after reaching Spain, highlighting Italy's vulnerability as a primary destination. "We are not Germany or Norway," he stated, underscoring Italy's exposure.

The minister further warned that the arrival of sub-Saharan Africans poses a "jihadist threat," citing the arrest of suspicious individuals by Spanish police. He lamented Spain's decision to revoke Schengen, arguing it was retaliatory and harmful to tourism. Tajani also reiterated his criticism of Spain's recent migrant regularization policies, asserting they send a "negative message" that jeopardizes everyone's security and that this concern is shared across Europe. He concluded that defending borders does not mean endangering Europe, which he claimed happens with "indiscriminate reception."

“

defender nuestras fronteras no significa poner en riesgo a Europa, algo que ocurre con la acogida indiscriminada