Socialist Group Aims to Shield Morocco from Criticism
The Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament, under the leadership of Iratxe García, has recently introduced an alternative resolution that closely mirrors the arguments presented by the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez. This proposal notably avoids any criticism of Morocco, particularly in relation to the significant influx of immigrants that Ceuta experienced at the end of July. Instead, the resolution praises the Moroccan authorities for their efforts in returning immigrants to their home countries. It highlights the existing cooperation mechanisms between Spain and Morocco, stating that these facilitated the swift return of the majority of individuals who had crossed the border illegally.
This resolution stands in stark contrast to the much harsher stance taken by the European People's Party (EPP), which calls for a more stringent approach to immigration and a clear acknowledgment of Morocco's responsibilities as a key partner of the European Union. The EPP's document demands that Moroccan authorities fulfill their commitments regarding border management, return policies, and migration cooperation, emphasizing that such partnership must be grounded in unconditional respect for the territorial integrity of EU member states.
Criticism of Italy's Border Policy and Political Tensions
In addition to its support for Morocco, the S&D group has sharply criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decision to impose immediate border controls with Spain starting August 1, following the events in Ceuta. The resolution dedicates considerable attention to this issue, underscoring the perceived overreach of Italy's actions in response to the immigration crisis. The EPP resolution, on the other hand, views any questioning of Spanish sovereignty as unacceptable, further complicating the political landscape surrounding this issue.
As negotiations between the various groups continue, it appears that the EPP will not support the S&D resolution, deeming it too lenient. Iratxe García has voiced her concerns, stating that if the purpose of the resolution is to exploit the situation in Ceuta for political gains against the Spanish government, they will not find support from the socialists. The upcoming discussions and the State of the European Union address by President Von der Leyen are expected to shape the final outcomes as the groups aim to reach a consensus before the vote scheduled for Thursday.
As reported by elmundo.es.
