Giorgia Meloni calls for stronger EU border controls to protect Schengen

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for strengthened protection of the European Union’s external borders as a necessary condition to preserve the Schengen Area. During a meeting in Rome with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Meloni emphasized that the continued free movement of people within Europe depends on the ability of member states to control external borders and combat illegal immigration and human trafficking.

Meloni and De Wever discussed the challenges posed by recent migration flows, following a period she described as particularly difficult for Europe’s coordinated response. The leaders also addressed broader economic and security concerns, including European competitiveness, energy costs, and the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz on the prices of fuel and raw materials. De Wever advocated for a common European defense framework and improved management of asylum and migration.

The discussions follow recent migration surges, including a significant influx of irregular arrivals in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which has prompted criticism from other EU nations regarding migration policies.