Denmark pushes for stronger EU borders
A policy rift within the Party of European Socialists has escalated after Spanish and Italian lawmakers accused Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of demonstrating "selective solidarity" following the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Following the illegal arrival of over 70,000 migrants in Ceuta, Frederiksen aligned with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and 22 other European leaders in criticising Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
In joint statements, Frederiksen supported stricter border enforcement, potential Schengen suspensions, and the creation of offshore repatriation centres in third countries.
In a letter sent to party President Stefan Löfven, Italian MEP Peppe Provenzano and Spanish MEP Javi López argued that Frederiksen improperly adopted “hard-right narratives” regarding illegal immigration.
According to reports on Euronews, the southern European delegates noted that, while Denmark previously benefited from European support during threats to its sovereignty in Greenland, it chose to align with Meloni's political agenda during Spain's emergency.
The Danish Social Democrats have refused to back down.
Strict stance
Party spokesman Rasmus Stoklund reaffirmed that Denmark's strict stance on immigration remained unchanged and that the country would continue to push for stronger EU external borders.
The dispute is scheduled for formal discussion at the next party presidency meeting preceding the European Council summit.