European leaders clash over migration and Schengen policies

Tensions regarding migration management and European solidarity have escalated between Spanish and Italian political figures. During a plenary debate in Strasbourg, Iratxe García Pérez, president of the S&D group in the European Parliament, criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. García Pérez argued that Meloni is in no position to offer lessons on border management, specifically citing Italy's actions regarding the Schengen Agreement.

The debate centered on the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. García Pérez emphasized that when borders are under pressure, Europe must respond with solidarity rather than division. She highlighted that European support was previously extended to Italy during the Lampedusa crisis, as well as to Poland and Lithuania, and argued that solidarity should not depend on which government is in power or which country is facing the crisis.

In Italy, discussions on the topic have also been marked by heated debate regarding the integration of immigrants and the legality of residency status. Debates have touched upon the living conditions of workers in agricultural fields and the presence of large immigrant communities in areas such as Mestre.