Following the wave of migrants to Spain: Italy announced it will take 'exceptional measures' to protect its borders
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded overnight to footage of waves of migrants who breached the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, making clear that Italy 'will not stand idly by' and will consider exceptional measures, including suspending the Schengen area with Spain. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supported the suspension, while Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned the remarks. Estimates suggest more than 40,000 migrants entered the enclave of about 80,000 residents.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tweeted overnight (Friday) in response to footage of waves of migrants who breached the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa, making clear that Italy 'will not stand idly by'. Meloni said the images from Ceuta are 'shocking' and demonstrate that uncontrolled illegal immigration poses a threat to the security of Europe's borders. She noted that she spoke with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and that they are convening competent bodies and are ready to intervene using exceptional tools, including suspending the Schengen area with Spain. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani supported the Schengen suspension, arguing that Madrid's decision to grant Spanish citizenship to more than 500,000 illegal migrants is wrong and encourages human trafficking. In response, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned the statement as inappropriate and summoned Italy's ambassador. Estimates suggest more than 40,000 migrants entered the enclave, whose population numbers about 80,000 residents. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to arrive at the enclave this morning.