The Prime Minister first underestimated the problem, then denied it, and is now scrambling to deal with it. A month after the mass arrival in the enclave, the migration crisis has also become a social, political and institutional one. These are lessons that Italy would do well to learn.

Whether or not the Prime Minister’s conduct regarding the exclave issue is part of a strategy of tension, public resentment is growing, both amongst migrants and amongst the general population

The Spanish Prime Minister has convened a Cabinet meeting, brought together the National Security Council and set up a single crisis management centre to resolve the humanitarian emergency in the exclave. However, it remains difficult to understand the reasons behind such a slow and contradictory political response

Following Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Finland and Sweden have also announced their intention to send ‘Dublin cases’ back to Italy. And a ruling by the European Court of Justice has deprived Rome of the means to refuse them. Amidst the crisis in Ceuta and the suspension of Schengen, the new asylum pact is facing its first serious test. And it is failing it

The crisis in Ceuta is bringing to the surface a sense of unease even within the progressive camp: Socialists and allies of the PSOE are criticising the handling of the emergency and are once again questioning the approach to immigration. But with elections looking increasingly difficult and fears of going down with Sánchez, many on the left continue to grumble

Schlein’s accusations against Frederiksen do not stand up to political scrutiny: with the exception of the Spanish government, European socialists hold a variety of positions, particularly those who are part of broad-based coalitions