Spain Criticizes Italy Over Schengen Exclusion Demand
MADRID — Spain on Thursday criticized Italy’s “demagoguery” after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for Spain’s exit from the Schengen zone, citing concerns over irregular migration from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.
Tajani said he was “in favour of closing the Schengen area with Spain,” arguing that “irregular and uncontrolled immigration poses a danger to national security.” He also claimed that Madrid’s decision to grant citizenship to over 500,000 irregular immigrants “encourages human trafficking.”
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares rejected the remarks as “improper” for a partner country. “We expect European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery,” he said. Spain also summoned Italy’s ambassador to Madrid to lodge a formal protest.
The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing passport-free travel across member states. The dispute highlights growing tensions within the bloc over migration policy, with Italy’s comments coming amid increased arrivals from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast.
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