In a dramatic turn of events, Italy, Finland, and Denmark have advocated for the suspension or exclusion of Spain from the Schengen Area following the massive influx of individuals crossing from Morocco into Ceuta.
The chaos erupted when thousands surged across the Tarajal breakwater on Thursday. While Spain's Ministry of the Interior estimated about 50,000 entries, the Ceuta government claimed the number exceeded 60,000.
According to EFE, at least 19 individuals tragically lost their lives attempting to swim to European shores. Spanish authorities reported that approximately 25,000 of those who entered had already returned to Morocco.
Italian Diplomacy Takes the Lead
Italy was quick to react, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announcing her consideration of "extraordinary measures to safeguard borders and ensure citizen safety, such as suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain," following a meeting with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
Meloni took to social media, stating, "The scenes from Ceuta are shocking and highlight, once again, that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a real threat to European border security."
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed strong support for closing the Schengen space with Spain, emphasizing, "Irregular and uncontrolled immigration is a national security threat," as reported by EFE.
He also mistakenly associated the crisis with Spain's extraordinary immigration regularization, incorrectly equating it to a citizenship grant, when it merely allows for residence and work permits.
Spain's Diplomatic Response
Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoned the Italian ambassador in Madrid and criticized Tajani's remarks as "partisan demagoguery," highlighting that the Ceuta events stem from a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the immediate expulsion of swimmers.
On Friday, Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, representing the far-right True Finns party, joined the call for action against Pedro Sánchez's government.
Rantanen accused Spain of completely failing to protect the Schengen Area's external borders against irregular migration, stating on social media, "Countries unable to fulfill their border protection duties should not be Schengen members."
Denmark and Other European Reactions
Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also criticized Spain, urging the EU to "consider all options," including suspending Schengen cooperation. She confirmed discussions with Meloni to rally European leaders around this crisis.
More moderate responses came from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who urged Spain to regain control without advocating for Schengen expulsion.
The European Commission stood by Madrid, pointing out that the Schengen Borders Code already includes special provisions for Ceuta and Melilla, noting that there are no significant migration flows towards other parts of the EU.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the images "unacceptable" and urged an immediate halt to dangerous crossings, offering coordination with Morocco and potential Frontex reinforcement.
It is important to note that suspending Spain from the Schengen Area cannot be a unilateral decision by any member state. Such a drastic measure would require a decision at the European level, a scenario unprecedented in the Union's history.
Understanding the Ceuta Migration Crisis
Why are Italy, Finland, and Denmark proposing Spain's exclusion from Schengen?
These countries are pushing for Spain's exclusion due to the massive influx of migrants into Ceuta from Morocco, which they believe threatens the security of European borders.
What triggered the migrant crisis in Ceuta?
The crisis was triggered by a large number of people entering Ceuta via the Tarajal breakwater, overwhelming Spanish and Ceuta authorities who reported tens of thousands of entries.
Can a single EU country decide to suspend another from the Schengen Area?
No, a unilateral decision to suspend a country from the Schengen Area is not possible. Such an action would require a collective decision at the European level.