Spain Defies EU's Tougher Migration Policy with Mass Migrant Regularization

The European Commission is poised to implement a stricter migration policy centered on enhanced border security and mandatory return procedures, marking a significant shift in the EU's approach. This includes the establishment of 'return centers' for rejected asylum seekers and increased use of technology and AI for border monitoring. Over 600 million euros have been earmarked to support deportations, notably for Syrians. However, Spain stands in opposition to this new strategy, with the government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez embarking on a controversial plan to regularize nearly 500,000 migrants. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has criticized the EU's return regulations, warning they may breach international human rights standards. This stance places Spain at odds with the majority of EU countries that favor stricter migration controls. The political divide is further accentuated within Spain, as right-wing parties such as the Popular Party (PP) and Vox prepare to challenge the government's regularization efforts in the European Parliament, arguing these policies undermine border security and the rule of law. The Spanish government advocates for integrating migrants into the labor market, contrasting with more restrictive policies emerging in countries like Denmark. This divergence highlights the ongoing tensions within the EU over migration policy, with Spain breaking from a European majority pushing for more rigid control mechanisms.