As reported by POLITICO, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that her government was prepared to adopt “extraordinary measures” to reinforce border security after thousands of migrants reportedly entered Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco.

This incident, which quickly gained traction across social media, prompted some of Italy’s most senior government figures to argue that Spain’s migration policies are undermining the EU’s external borders. Meloni. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have all called for a review of Spain’s role within the Schengen Area, with some suggesting the country should face suspension from the passport-free zone.

Migration management

The Schengen Agreement allows passport-free travel across 29 European countries, although member states may temporarily restore border controls in exceptional circumstances.

Italy has already maintained checks along its border with Slovenia, citing concerns over irregular migration, organised crime and terrorism.

Tajani intensified the dispute by directly criticising Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s immigration strategy, arguing that Madrid’s plans to regularise hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants send the wrong signal and could encourage people-smuggling networks.

His remarks prompted an immediate response from Spain, as Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoned Italy’s ambassador in Madrid in a formal diplomatic protest, describing Tajani’s comments as inappropriate for the representative of a partner nation. Albares said Spain expected European solidarity rather than what he characterised as politically motivated criticism.

Sánchez’s government has defended its regularisation proposal as a practical response to labour shortages and the reality of undocumented residents already contributing to Spain’s economy. However, conservative governments, including Italy’s, argue that such measures risk encouraging further irregular migration.

According to the European Commission, officials remain in close contact with the Spanish authorities as they respond to the developments in Ceuta.

Border controls

Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, confirmed Brussels has been working alongside Spain to reinforce the protection of the EU’s external frontier and is monitoring the situation closely.

The Commission also praised the continued cooperation between Spain and Morocco, noting that both countries have worked together to manage migration flows and facilitate the return of people who entered Ceuta illegally, in accordance with European and international law.

These events have also reignited calls within the European Parliament for stricter implementation of the EU’s recently adopted Migration and Asylum Pact. As reported by POLITICO, European People’s Party President Manfred Weber argued that the developments in Ceuta demonstrate the need to fully enforce both the Migration Pact and new return rules without delay.

Operational cooperation

Ceuta and neighbouring Melilla, Spain’s two autonomous cities on the North African coast, have long represented one of Europe’s most sensitive migration frontiers.

Surrounded by Morocco but forming part of both Spain and the European Union, the territories frequently experience attempts by migrants to enter European soil, whether by scaling border fences or swimming around coastal barriers.

The Spanish authorities have repeatedly stressed that maintaining control of Ceuta’s border requires close operational cooperation with Morocco.

In recent years, the EU has increased financial and logistical support for border management initiatives in North Africa, while also pursuing broader agreements aimed at reducing irregular migration through investment, security partnerships and anti-trafficking measures.