Else Beekman
A diplomatic row between Italy and Spain has emerged after Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi accused Spain of shooting at migrants trying to cross the border from Morocco.
This accusation follows Spain’s rejection of a proposal from the European Commission to establish migrant deportation centres outside the European Union.
Italian criticism of Spanish migration policy
In a televised interview on Italy’s La 7, Piantedosi described Spain’s criticism of Italy’s migration policies as “peculiar.” He pointed to instances where, according to him, Spain has resorted to violent measures against migrants attempting to cross its borders. “Spain should reflect on the balance of some of its own policies for managing irregular immigration,” Piantedosi said. Specifically, he was referring to Spain’s handling of migration in its territories bordering Morocco.
The Italian minister’s comments come in response to criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. He openly opposed the Italian government’s approach to migration under Giorgia Meloni’s leadership.
Spain rejects migrant deportation centres outside the EU
The diplomatic spat follows a recent statement from Sánchez. The Prime Minister voiced strong opposition to a proposal from European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. The proposal, in line with Meloni’s policies, suggests the creation of migrant deportation centres outside the EU as a solution to the ongoing migration crisis.
Sánchez, speaking at a European Council press conference, firmly rejected the idea, arguing that it would only “create new problems” rather than solve any. He stressed that a more sustainable solution lies in well-managed, responsible migration that supports both economic growth and the EU’s demographic challenges. “Orderly and well-managed migration is key to addressing demographic issues and ensuring future economic growth and welfare in both Spain and the EU,” Sánchez stated.
Also read: NGO’s denounce Spain’s minor Moroccan migrants deportation