Brussels: The European Union has pledged financial and border management support to Spain as political tensions over the recent migrant surge into Ceuta continue to grow, highlighting sharp divisions among member states over migration policy. Europe
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Brussels: The European Union has pledged financial and border management support to Spain as political tensions over the recent migrant surge into Ceuta continue to grow, highlighting sharp divisions among member states over migration policy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Spain could access EU funding and assistance from the Frontex border agency if needed. However, the Spanish government has not requested Frontex support.
The large-scale crossings into Ceuta have triggered disagreements within the EU, with several governments criticising Spain's handling of migration. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused some member states of failing to show solidarity during the crisis and rejected calls for Spain to face restrictions within the Schengen area.
Italy and Denmark were among the countries that pushed for a tougher response, arguing that Spain's decision to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants could encourage further irregular migration. Their position was backed by 20 other EU countries, which called for stronger measures to discourage illegal migration and reduce policies they believe act as incentives.
The dispute has underscored the EU's continuing struggle to reach a united approach to migration, even as Spain deals with the aftermath of the Ceuta border crossings.
Pic Credit: AFP
