Spain’s policy of legalizing migrants has proven hugely contentious, both domestically and at a European level. Meloni and Sánchez clashed over the issue during a meeting of European leaders last month.
Spain, which like several other European countries is fighting deadly wildfires, now also finds itself under diplomatic attack on multiple fronts.
Manfred Weber, President of the European Parliament’s largest political grouping, the center-right European People’s Party, has also called for tougher action on migration over the Ceuta crisis, writing on X: “This proves one thing: the Migration Pact and return regulation must be enforced today, not tomorrow.”
European Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner — who also hails from the EPP — said the Commission has been supporting Spain in protecting the integrity of its borders, including in Ceuta, and that he has been in touch with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska about the matter.
A spokesperson said the Commission welcomed “the close cooperation between Morocco and Spain to tackle these flows and ensure the swift return of those who have entered Ceuta illegally, in line with the applicable rules.”
“When it comes to our cooperation with partner countries: Morocco is a key and trusted partner of the EU,” the spokesperson added. “Over the past years, we have stepped up cooperation on migration and border management as well as anti-smuggling. We are now working to upgrade our relationship into a comprehensive and strategic partnership.”
Zoya Sheftalovich contributed to this report.