SynopsisItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for Spain's suspension from the EU's Schengen travel zone after thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spain rejected the remarks, accusing Italy of politicising migration, as at least nine people died attempting the dangerous sea crossing.ReutersFILE PHOTO: The border fence separating Spain's northern enclave Ceuta and Morocco is seen from Ceuta, Spain.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday called for Spain to be suspended from the European Union's border-free Schengen travel zone after thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco.The demand came hours after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani made a similar appeal, arguing that irregular migration posed a threat to national security."We are in the process of bringing together the competent bodies and, once these meetings are over, we are ready to act, including through exceptional measures... such as suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain," Meloni said in a post on X.She described images from Ceuta as "shocking", referring to migrants, including children, who swam to reach the enclave.According to the Spanish government's delegation in Ceuta, at least nine people died while attempting the sea crossing."Italy will not stand idly by," Meloni said.Earlier, Tajani also backed suspending Spain from the Schengen area."I am in favour of closing the Schengen area with Spain," he wrote on X. "Irregular and uncontrolled immigration poses a danger to national security."He also criticised Madrid's decision to grant Spanish citizenship to more than 500,000 irregular immigrants, saying it encouraged human trafficking."The images coming from Ceuta show how the Madrid government's decision to grant Spanish, and therefore European, citizenship to over 500,000 irregular immigrants is profoundly wrong and encourages human trafficking," Tajani said.Spain rejected the criticism.Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares accused Tajani of using migration for political purposes and said such remarks were "improper" for "a partner and friendly country from which we expect European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery".What is the Schengen Area?The Schengen Area is Europe's passport-free travel zone, allowing people to move across the internal borders of 29 participating countries without routine border checks.Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has gone a step further, calling for the entire Schengen system to be suspended. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now