The open diplomatic crisis between two of the main member states of the European Union shows no sign of easing for the moment. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and her Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, have called through a statement for the creation of repatriation centers in third countries, both rejecting “uncontrolled immigration”.
Meloni, leader of the conservative right, and Frederiksen, a reference of European social democracy, despite their political differences, promote a strict immigration policy, “both in our countries and in Europe”
“We come from very different political positions and, of course, we do not agree on everything. We are the only two women heads of government in the EU. One of us leads a large southern country; the other, a small northern country. But we are united by our desire to defend Europe,” they state in their statement.
Furthermore, Italy has again criticized the migration policy of the Government of Pedro Sánchez, insisting on placing the process of regularization of undocumented foreigners launched as the cause of the avalanche of more than 72,000 people who crossed the border between Morocco and Spain on July 30.
“Ceuta has been a testing ground and a lesson: the fight against illegal immigration is a common task. Unilateral decisions by individual countries cannot offload their consequences onto partner countries,” insisted Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani this Monday in a message on his official social media account X.
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The clash over the Ceuta crisis escalated when Moncloa announced last Friday the establishment of random checks on travelers coming from the third most populous EU country in response to Rome having done the same with its citizens. Although the
European Commission has warned both nations that “trust between member states” is the “most valuable currency” of the 27, the tension remains for now.
Representing the coalition government of PSOE and Sumar, the third vice president, Sara Aagesen, responded this Sunday that what they expect is for their community partner to “react” and to be “clear” that the Schengen area is guaranteed, without having been “violated,” because “no person has arrived on the Peninsula.” Furthermore, she emphasized that the main objective is to “defend the dignity of Spanish citizens”.
For his part, Tajani has also defended the creation of “hubs for repatriations in Africa” and to “speed up those who do not have the right to remain in Europe.” He has also urged to “strengthen Frontex as a true European border guard agency, with adequate means and powers,” to “relentlessly combat the criminal organizations of human traffickers” and to have “more cooperation with countries of origin and transit with investments, in situ training and useful regular migration.”
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