BRUSSELS — Italy’s Giorgia Meloni clashed with Spain’s Pedro Sánchez over Madrid’s decision to legalize around 500,000 asylum-seekers, according to three EU diplomats and one EU official.
Meloni challenged Sánchez during a closed-door meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday, saying she wanted a debate on migration so leaders could discuss the consequences of Spain’s move on other EU countries, according to diplomats briefed on the discussion.
Sánchez responded that other leaders should not be concerned because the migrants regularized in Spain were largely from South America rather than Africa, two of the diplomats said. They were granted anonymity to discuss the confidential talks.
Spain’s position on migration is “well known,” a Spanish government spokesperson said, confirming Sánchez had defended it during the summit discussion. Madrid is “more than happy” to engage in a debate on migration, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson did not address the Africa comment.
An Italian official said the exchange was “not a clash” but a “just discussion between leaders.”
The disagreement comes days after the EU approved legislation allowing members to establish deportation hubs in third countries as part of a push to ensure failed asylum-seekers leave the bloc. While it’s still unclear how many capitals could take advantage of the rule change, 19 of the EU 27 signed up to a joint Danish-Italian letter, first reported by POLITICO, calling for swift action on deportations.
“Countries are now working … to implement the new possibilities, including hubs in third countries. We will personally lead the way to make sure our visions are brought to life,” the letter circulated Friday morning reads.
Spain opposes EU plans for offshore deportation hubs, arguing they raise legal and humanitarian concerns, while other countries including Italy and Denmark view the hubs as a key tool to deter irregular migration and speed up removals.
Thursday’s exchange came after Sánchez argued that Spain’s migration policy differed from that of many other EU governments and had been effective in reducing irregular arrivals from Africa. Official data shows irregular migrant arrivals to Spain fell significantly in the first three months of this year.
The dispute came after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for her leadership in passing a draft law on Wednesday which facilitates the deportation of migrants who have been denied asylum in the bloc.
Migration was added to the agenda of October’s European Council after Frederiksen’s push.