# EU nations challenge Spain over migration policy 16 October 2026 at 19:00 > Fifteen EU countries led by Denmark and Italy demand stricter border controls and criticise Spain's migrant regularisation at the summit. On the second day of the **European Council** summit, fifteen EU nations challenged the migration policies of **Pedro Sanchez**'s government. Leaders from **Denmark** and **Italy** are spearheading a coalition demanding stricter controls over the bloc's external borders. A formal document signed by nations including Poland, Germany, and Greece calls for new measures. This follows the entry of 80,000 people into **Ceuta** from Morocco, prompting Denmark to request a review of the impact of allowing illegal entrants to stay legally. While Moncloa reports a 74% drop in Atlantic route arrivals, leaders from Austria and the Czech Republic criticised Spain's regularisation of migrants. Sanchez noted that draft summit conclusions now recognise the unique status of Spain's autonomous cities. #EUSummit #MigrationPolicy [#PedroSánchez]() [#BorderControl]() #EuropeanCouncil ## Related news ## [40 detained at Ceuta port for identity fraud]() 15 October 2026 at 20:59 ## [Sánchez defends pension system at Zaragoza rally]() 15 October 2026 at 11:21 ## [Margarita Robles to be PSOE number two in Madrid]() 14 October 2026 at 20:01 ## [Moroccan warships entered Ceuta waters in July]() 13 October 2026 at 17:34 ## [Spain sets early election for 29 November]() 13 October 2026 at 09:29