Meloni and Frederiksen warn against uncontrolled migration to Europe

Monday 10 August 2026 - 19:45

By: Azzat Manal

Meloni and Frederiksen warn against uncontrolled migration to Europe

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have renewed calls for tougher European migration policies, warning against what they described as uncontrolled migration and advocating the creation of return centers outside the European Union.

In a joint statement, the two leaders argued that irregular migration can place additional pressure on public services and contribute to concerns over security and social cohesion. They called for rejected asylum seekers without the right to remain in Europe to be returned to their countries of origin.

Meloni and Frederiksen also backed the establishment of return centers in third countries, describing them as part of a broader effort to develop new solutions for managing migration outside EU territory.

Their statement comes after a major migration episode in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, located in North Africa near Morocco. Spanish authorities reported that tens of thousands of people entered the city during the incident, with most later returning to Morocco.

The developments have intensified discussions across Europe over border controls, asylum procedures and the return of migrants whose applications have been rejected. Italy has also maintained additional controls affecting movement with Spain, citing the need to strengthen border management.

The debate highlights the growing divisions within Europe over migration policy, with some governments pushing for stricter external borders and faster returns while others emphasize humanitarian obligations and the protection of asylum seekers.