The Prime Minister emphasizes that Spain needs to be able to fulfill its commitments within the Schengen cooperation.
"If developments risk affecting Sweden's security or migration situation, the government is prepared to take the necessary measures to maintain order and control," writes Ulf Kristersson in a comment to TT.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) on Friday took the initiative for an extraordinary meeting with his Nordic ministerial colleagues. He also says that Sweden is prepared to support Spain through Frontex cooperation, if Spain requests help.
Then there are further things that can be done, to put pressure on neighboring countries to keep their borders with Spain and prevent secondary movements within the EU.
According to Forssell, the government is prepared to "take responsibility for the situation" if developments risk Sweden's security.
Then there are national tools like border controls. But that is not a path we want to take.
“An Invasion”
Tens of thousands of migrants have stormed the border into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. The border has been closed and the military has been called in to support the police.
According to Social Democrats leader Magdalena Andersson, the principles of the EU's migration pact are now being tested.
"I want to see strong action from Spain, with support from the EU. From the EU's side, it's about ensuring that Spain gets the help they need," she says in a written comment to TT.
"The information now circulating that the situation is orchestrated needs to be investigated."
Sweden Democrats party leader Jimmie Åkesson calls it "nothing less than an invasion."
"Spain must immediately close its border. If they do not do so, the country should be excluded from Schengen and the borders with Spain should be closed with immediate effect," writes Åkesson on X.
“Financial support”
According to Forssell, however, it is unlikely that Spain could actually be excluded from Schengen.
Suspending Spain would require 26 countries to agree to it, I find it hard to see that as realistic.
He says it is too early to draw any firm conclusions about how Sweden might be affected. However, it is clear that the government does not want to accept any migrants.
Should the solidarity mechanism, against all odds, be activated, then we will provide financial support, not redistribution of migrants.
