The prime ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, today criticized “uncontrolled immigration to Europe,” linking it to an increase in crime and sexual violence, while also advocating for an increase in the number of deportations.
“We do not accept uncontrolled immigration to Europe,” they stated in a joint statement released today, stressing that despite their ideological differences, they have promoted “rigorous immigration policy” in their respective countries, as well as at the European level.
“No one can deny the negative impacts of illegal immigration on our societies: crime rates rise, pressure on public services grows and citizens’ trust is eroded,” they declared.
The two heads of government said it is “particularly serious when illegal immigrants, deprived of the right to remain in our countries, commit violent crimes, traffic drugs or become responsible for sexual violence,” adding that citizens expect “concrete action.”
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Among the proposed measures, the increase in deportations stands out. To this end, they advocated for the creation of more repatriation centers in third countries, as well as other “innovative solutions outside Europe.”
However, they stated that “this is not enough” and also focused on the “millions of foreigners living legally” in Europe, accusing them of having an interest in imposing lifestyles very distant from the “common values” shared by “millions of Europeans.”
“We are proud of Europe’s Christian cultural heritage and we want to protect it. We hope that those who come to our countries and choose to make Europe their home respect our values and do not try to impose on us lifestyles we do not share,” they warned.
“We believe this is the right path to protect Europe and our common values. And we believe millions of Europeans share this conviction,” stated Meloni and Frederiksen, who recently led criticism of the Spanish Government’s migration policies following the crisis in Ceuta.
Read more about this topic: Italy suspended Schengen deal with Spain over the Ceuta crisis. Von der Leyen wants EU to do more
Around 72,000 people entered the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, located in North Africa, in 24 hours last week, and 70,000 have already returned to Morocco, according to data from Spanish authorities. At least 82 people died attempting to reach Ceuta by swimming.
Ceuta, a small territory of 80,000 inhabitants located at the northern tip of Morocco, bordered by the Strait of Gibraltar, is one of the two land borders between Africa and Europe, along with the other Spanish enclave of Melilla.
