Tajani criticises Spain for not consulting the EU on the regularisation of migrants

The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has publicly criticized Spain for failing to consult other European Union member states before implementing the regularization of 500,000 undocumented migrants. The comments were made during an interview published Tuesday in Corriere della Sera, which highlighted growing tensions within the EU over migration policies. Tajani emphasized that Spain’s decision was taken without prior coordination with its European partners, calling the move “not well.” He questioned how these individuals could freely move within the Schengen area, given the lack of shared information. Tajani also defended Italy’s suspension of the free movement agreement with Spain, citing increased border controls at ports and airports following incidents in Ceuta. These measures, he stated, were based on “objective elements analyzed by competent institutional committees.” He further raised concerns about the fate of approximately 5,000 Sub-Saharan migrants currently stranded in Ceuta, who cannot be returned to Morocco. Tajani argued that this situation poses a risk to the entire EU and called for additional measures to prevent similar occurrences and protect the social fabric of other member states. He acknowledged Spain’s “nervousness” regarding its failed migration policy but stressed that Italy has a duty to safeguard its borders. “We have always shown solidarity with Spain; we are friends of the Spanish people,” he said, while noting that Spain’s approach in this matter is “imperfect.” Tajani added that Italy had carefully considered the issue through its interior ministry, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the challenge responsibly. In contrast, Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, recently expressed frustration over what he described as European governments failing to meet expectations during the Ceuta crisis. He specifically mentioned Italy as having the highest influx of irregular immigrants. Tajani refuted these claims, stating that the figures cited by Albares were outdated, pre-2021, and that recent data show a significant decline in illegal arrivals. He attributed this reduction to a more responsible foreign policy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Italy and Finland are considering proposals to exclude Spain from the Schengen area, a move that would drastically alter the country’s ability to travel freely within the bloc. This proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Spain’s handling of the migrant crisis, particularly after the incident in Ceuta. The two nations argue that Spain’s failure to cooperate with EU-wide efforts has undermined trust and stability within the union. Spain has faced mounting pressure from several EU members, including Denmark, which was among the first to share concerns over the situation in Ceuta. Danish officials have warned that such incidents threaten the cohesion of the EU and require stronger collective action. Spain’s government has been accused of lacking transparency and coordination in its migration strategy, leading to accusations of unilateralism. The dispute reflects broader challenges in managing migration flows across the EU, where national interests often clash with collective security goals. While some countries advocate for stricter border controls and enhanced cooperation, others push for more flexible solutions that respect human rights and legal frameworks. The current debate underscores the fragility of the Schengen model and the need for renewed dialogue on how to balance sovereignty with solidarity. As the situation continues to evolve, both sides remain locked in a tense standoff. Spain faces increasing calls for accountability, while Italy and its allies seek greater control over their borders. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape future EU migration policies and determine whether the bloc can maintain unity in the face of complex humanitarian and political pressures.