# Denmark Criticizes Spain's Migration Policy at EU Summit

> Denmark's PM attacks Spain's migrant regularization as EU summit debates migration links to crime.
- Title: Denmark Criticizes Spain's Migration Policy at EU Summit
- Summary: Denmark's PM attacks Spain's migrant regularization as EU summit debates migration links to crime. Denmark's prime minister criticized Spain's legal…
- Keywords: denmark, spain, migration, eu summit, migrant regularization, migration policy, spain migration crisis, ceuta, politics, world, Criticizes, Spain's
- Source: EUobserver — https://euobserver.com/243228/sanchez-defends-spains-migrant-regularisation-as-danish-pm-leads-criticism-at-eu-summit
- Published: 2026-10-16T19:11:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: denmark, spain, migration, eu summit, migrant regularization, migration policy, spain migration crisis, ceuta, politics, world
## Denmark criticizes Spain
Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen attacked Spanish leader Pedro Sánchez during EU summit debate on migration policy.

> I have asked the commission to look into whether one country is doing almost everything in the opposite direction of what the others are doing
## Spain defends regularization
Sánchez said Spain’s regularisation scheme does not go against the grain as other countries have similar measures.

> Spain’s regularisation scheme does not go against the grain
## Migration numbers
Spain approved plans to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers in April.

> Spain approved plans to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers
## EU summit criticism
Several European leaders criticized Spain’s regularisation at June EU summit, with criticism resurfacing during October summit.

> Several European leaders criticized Spain’s regularisation at June EU summit
## Ceuta crisis
Ceuta migrant crisis escalated in late July 2026 with tens of thousands attempting to cross from Morocco to the autonomous enclave.

> Ceuta migrant crisis escalated in late July 2026 with tens of thousands attempting to cross from Morocco to the autonomous enclave
## Border tensions
Italy decided not to renew security checks with Spain after Ceuta crisis, triggering negotiations between Madrid and Rome.

> Italy decided not to renew security checks with Spain
## Key takeaway

Denmark's prime minister criticized Spain's legal residency permits for undocumented migrants during EU summit talks, while Spain defended its regularization scheme as common across Europe.