Overview
- The two prime ministers published a joint declaration on Monday, August 10, 2026, stating “We accept no uncontrolled migration into Europe” and renewing support for repatriation centres outside the EU.
- Italy reinstated border controls with Spain after more than 70,000 people reached the Spanish enclave of Ceuta earlier in August, and Spain has resumed some traveler checks on arrivals from Italy.
- Meloni and Frederiksen framed irregular arrivals as driving higher crime, straining public services and eroding public trust, singling out violent crime, drug dealing and sexual violence as particular concerns.
- Their statement comes after the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact entered into force in June, which tightened external border rules but left open complex questions about burden sharing and how new return mechanisms will operate.
- Human rights groups and several EU governments have long opposed outsourcing asylum or detention to third countries, so the joint declaration could increase political pressure while facing legal, diplomatic and practical hurdles before any return hubs are created.