Berlin: 'Surprised by the turmoil, expulsions to Italy will take place'

Fifteen irregular migrants were detained at Italian airports following the crisis in Ceuta, Spain, after they arrived from Spanish territory. The incident has sparked questions about how individuals without legal residency permits managed to board flights from Spain to Italy, whether some had crossed into Ceuta during the recent border tensions, and whether the image used to publicize the story was generated using artificial intelligence. These issues have been raised by reports circulating online, particularly through the social media accounts of the Italian far-right party Fratelli d’Italia. The individuals in question were reportedly stopped at Italian airports after arriving from Spain. According to available information, these migrants did not possess valid documents allowing them to reside in Italy. However, under the Schengen Agreement, internal borders among member states typically do not undergo checks. This means that traveling from Spain to Italy by air does not require additional verification beyond standard passenger screening procedures. Airlines are required to ensure passengers hold valid travel documents for entry into the Schengen area, but this does not necessarily equate to having the right to reside in a specific country within that zone. Since July 10, 2025, the Italian aviation authority ENAC, with approval from the Ministry of the Interior, has lifted the requirement for passengers on domestic and Schengen flights to present their ID cards at the boarding gate. As a result, travelers only need their boarding passes to board flights within the Schengen region. Document checks remain mandatory for international destinations outside the Schengen area and can be reinstated on routes deemed sensitive due to secondary movements. Italy’s decision to reintroduce border controls within its territory, permitted under the Schengen Borders Code as a temporary measure, led to the detention of the fifteen individuals. These measures were taken in response to increased migration flows and concerns over security along the European Union's external borders. Regarding the claim that these individuals had crossed into Ceuta during the recent border crisis, officials from the European Union have stated that those who entered irregularly into Ceuta could not reach mainland Spain or other EU countries. The Spanish Guardia Civil has conducted systematic operations since August 1 to repatriate migrants back to Morocco. Therefore, there is no evidence suggesting that the detained individuals had traversed the African-Mediterranean border during the Ceuta crisis. The image associated with the story circulated by Fratelli d’Italia has also drawn scrutiny. While the authenticity of the photograph has not been confirmed, it is unclear whether it was captured in real-time or created using AI technology. The lack of clarity surrounding the visual representation of the event adds another layer of complexity to the narrative being presented. Meanwhile, Germany has expressed surprise at the level of concern and divergence in approaches regarding the expulsion of asylum seekers under the Dublin Regulation. A spokesperson for the German Ministry of the Interior noted that while cooperation with Italy on migration matters has been strong, the implementation of the new common European asylum system, which came into effect in June 2026, will lead to expulsions being carried out even towards Italy. This follows bilateral agreements signed in late 2025 with Italy and Greece, ensuring compliance with the updated Dublin rules. In Denmark, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the Folketing, the Danish Parliament, during an emergency session on the migrant crisis and the situation in Ceuta. She emphasized the need for a strict immigration policy, stating that Denmark would be prepared to strengthen border controls and potentially close its borders entirely if a new wave of migration swept through Europe. Frederiksen highlighted the importance of monitoring the situation closely and assured that the government would not hesitate to take necessary actions should such a scenario arise. The Danish police already have contingency plans in place for such emergencies, and the Justice Ministry indicated that border checks could be intensified with minimal notice. The debate in Copenhagen centers around the pressure on European borders, the crisis in Ceuta, and the implications for the Schengen Agreement and national security. Discussions focus on the measures needed to reinforce both European and national border protections against potential future migration waves.