Swedish PM’s Ceuta Rhetoric Plays Straight into Kremlin’s Hands
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is repeating talking points about the Spanish enclave of Ceuta that benefit Moscow, not Stockholm, as the crisis in Ceuta is not a symbol of irresponsible migration policy but a case of a foreign power tightening its grip on the European Union [1].
The prime minister’s current approach has been described as dangerously reckless, with his statements aligning with a narrative that undermines EU unity on migration [1]. Meanwhile, the situation has drawn in other European leaders, with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen forming an unlikely alliance to push for stricter migration policies, including the establishment of return centers outside the EU [5]. The two leaders, despite coming from opposing political camps, issued a joint statement warning of the effects of “uncontrolled” immigration and voicing support for repatriation centers located outside the bloc [5]. They also stressed the need to preserve “European values” and protect “Europe’s Christian cultural heritage” [5].
Their cooperation has already yielded results, as the EU approved the Migration and Asylum Pact in early June, allowing member states to sign agreements with “safe” third countries for deportations [5]. Under the new rules, return centers could be set up outside the EU for migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected, with potential host countries including Uganda, Rwanda, and Montenegro [5]. Frederiksen acknowledged the odd pairing, saying they come from “two completely different political families,” but have built a “very, very close” cooperation [5].