The major U-turn on Ceuta: European ministers are now praising Spain

Brussels. Solidarity with and praise for Spain, no mention of Pedro Sánchez’s large-scale regularisation programme, silence on Italy’s decision to reintroduce maritime and air border controls, and even implicit criticism of the way in which most EU leaders reacted by pointing the finger at the government in Madrid. The summary issued by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union following the extraordinary meeting of the interior ministers of the twenty-seven Member States, held today via videoconference, marks a major U-turn on the Ceuta crisis. This includes the stance of the Italian Minister of the Interior. “Dear colleagues, I would first of all like to express Italy’s sincere solidarity with the Spanish government,” said Matteo Piantedosi: “At the same time, I would like to make the nature of our decision on the temporary reinstatement of internal air and sea border controls absolutely clear: this is in no way a measure directed against Spain or any other partner. It is a precautionary and organisational decision,” added Piantedosi, taking care in his remarks not to mention the Meloni government’s more extreme proposals (such as the establishment of EU-funded repatriation centres in third countries) or to criticise the alleged ‘pull factor’ of Sánchez’s large-scale regularisation programme.

“We commend Spain for its swift response to the situation in Ceuta,” said the Irish minister, Jim O’Callaghan, at the end of the meeting. Member states were “united in expressing strong solidarity with Spain. The ministers commended the swift and effective efforts of the Spanish authorities in responding,” explained the Irish Presidency. “The vast majority of people who crossed the border illegally have been repatriated and there has been no movement towards mainland Spain or other Member States.” Beyond the usual rhetoric on the need to combat smuggling networks, increase repatriations and strengthen borders – including partnerships with third countries – the statement concludes with a self-critical assessment of the rhetoric used by various leaders and politicians who succumbed to demagoguery against Sánchez, allowing the EU’s opponents to exploit the Ceuta crisis to their advantage.

“The ministers emphasised that communication during times of crisis could be further strengthened through timely coordination and should be more consistent, particularly to counter malicious external actors involved in the manipulation and interference of foreign information,” said the Irish Presidency.

However, the underlying rift revealed by Ceuta remains. “I did not understand Italy’s closure of the Schengen area. It struck me as entirely unnecessary and disproportionate,” said the Spanish minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska: “There was no risk of secondary movement, as Ceuta has a special status. And Frontex itself reported that the Schengen area was never at risk.” The 22 signatories of the letter initiated by Giorgia Meloni and the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, will press for the creation of EU-funded “return hubs” in third countries after the summer. France and Spain are opposed. However, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Magnus Brunner, has confirmed his willingness to proceed if leaders give the green light as part of the negotiations on the EU’s 2028–34 budget. The next debate and the likely clash have been postponed until the European Council in October.