Finland backs Italy’s call to suspend Spain from Schengen over migration

Finland has joined Italy in calling for action against Spain over migration concerns, with Interior Minister Mari Rantanen urging European partners to back a proposal to suspend Spain’s participation in the Schengen Area.

Writing on her X account on Friday, July 31, Rantanen argued that Spain is failing to secure the bloc’s external borders, resulting in an uncontrolled influx of irregular migrants.

“This cannot continue. All European countries must support the proposal by (Italian Prime Minister Giorgi – ed.) Meloni. Countries that fail to fulfil their obligations to protect the external border cannot be members of the Schengen Area,” she said.

Her remarks follow earlier statements by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who said Rome was prepared to take extraordinary measures to protect its national borders, including seeking the suspension of Spain from the Schengen agreement. The move comes amid a sharp rise in irregular migrant arrivals in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on Morocco’s northern coast.

Ceuta and Melilla, both Spanish territories in North Africa, are key entry points for migrants attempting to reach Europe. While administered by Spain, the enclaves are claimed by Morocco as occupied territories.

Migration routes across North Africa have for years seen people — primarily from sub-Saharan Africa — attempt dangerous journeys to Europe in search of better opportunities. While some succeed, many others perish en route.

By Tamilla Hasanova