Rome, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday warned that Rome could consider “extraordinary measures”, including suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain, over the migration situation in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa.
Meloni said Italy would take steps to protect its borders and citizens, accusing uncontrolled illegal immigration of posing a security threat to Europe’s borders.
In a post on X, the Italian Prime Minister said the recent images from Ceuta were “striking” and showed the risks linked to irregular migration. She said she had spoken with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and that the government would convene relevant authorities before deciding further action.
“On illegal immigration, we will not yield an inch: defending the borders, stopping human traffickers, and ensuring effective repatriations will continue to be the line of this Government,” Meloni said.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also supported the possibility of restricting Schengen arrangements with Spain. He criticised the Spanish government’s reported decision to grant Spanish and European citizenship to more than 500,000 irregular immigrants, calling it a mistake that could encourage human trafficking.
The statements from Italian leaders came after hundreds of migrants attempted to enter Ceuta from Morocco by swimming or using inflatable devices, reaching the Tarajal beach area on Thursday.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares criticised Tajani’s remarks, describing them as inappropriate for a foreign minister of a partner European country. He said the developments in Ceuta were linked to a court ruling and not to the issue raised in Tajani’s statement.
Albares also announced that he had summoned the Italian ambassador over the comments.
Following the migrant arrivals, Spain announced plans to deploy additional military personnel in Ceuta to strengthen security measures. Reports said several people died while attempting to reach the Spanish territory.
The regional authorities in Ceuta have urged Madrid to declare a national emergency, stating that the increase in irregular crossings has placed significant pressure on local resources.
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