EU summit migration debate turns into intense dispute among leaders

A Friday summit of the European Council descended into intense debate regarding migration policy. Diplomatic sources described the two-hour discussion as heated, unpleasant, and at times undignified, requiring European Council President António Costa to intervene and end the session.

Led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, a group of over twelve nations proposed granting member states greater authority to reject asylum requests and combat illegal migration. The initiative sought to frame migration policy as a matter of ‘defending European civilization.’ However, the proposal faced opposition from leaders in France, Luxembourg, and Spain.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš was noted for his vocal stance, specifically clashing with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Babiš criticized the Spanish approach, suggesting that some leaders might prioritize migrants over their own citizens for electoral advantages. As a result of the deadlock, the final summit conclusions were significantly scaled back, with specific language regarding efficient returns and external border protection being removed or shortened.