The Finnish interior minister conceded that Spain cannot be excluded from the Schengen zone simply because a member state demands it.Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) at a press conference on Tuesday. Image: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / LehtikuvaYle News16:45Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) held a press briefing in Helsinki on Tuesday following an EU interior ministers' meeting about the migrant crisis in Ceuta, Spain."Spain received unreserved support from all member states," Rantanen told reporters.Last week, an estimated 60,000 migrants poured into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco within a very short period of time.Local media has reported that at least 57 people died during the surge. Other reports said that around 49,000 of the migrants returned to Morocco voluntarily.Recent file photo: Migrants reach Spanish territory after swimming from Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, 30 July 2026. Image: Reduan Dris / EPAFollowing Tuesday's remotely held EU meeting, Rantanen said that the interior ministers did not discuss plans to introduce internal border controls in Spain. According to Rantanen, the EU Commission did not request such a plan, as the situation has calmed down."The situation has now stabilised, but we here in Europe must be prepared, ensuring that intelligence and preparedness matters are in order," Rantanen said.Schengen zone issuesThe events in Ceuta last week prompted Minister Rantanen to accuse Spain of failing to secure its border, in a sharply worded post on social site X.She also encouraged European countries to support a proposal by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to suspend Spain from the Schengen visa-free zone.At the time, her fellow cabinet members, Antti Häkkänen (NCP) and Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) quickly noted that Rantanen's statements did not reflect the government's policy.Rantanen also acknowledged at the press conference that her statements last week were her own personal opinions and did not represent the government's position.Rantanen said that it is possible that the Schengen agreement could be examined if the situation changes."If the conditions are met and our authorities' assessment is that public safety and order require it, then the matter will be taken to a decision-making stage," Rantanen said.Rantanen conceded that Spain cannot be excluded from the Schengen zone simply because a member state demands it. She clarified that member states can restore border controls themselves, or the commission can propose reinstating them based on threats.Over the weekend, Finnish PM Petteri Orpo (NCP) signed a joint letter by EU leaders demanding effective protection of EU external borders and prevention of illegal immigration, as well as support for Spain.