The Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, today criticized in parliament measures that may have a "pull effect" on migrants. The statement comes in the context of the migratory crisis that affected Ceuta in July, when thousands of people attempted to enter the Spanish enclave.
Santos Silva stressed that the massive entry of migrants into Ceuta did not represent a threat to the Schengen area, contradicting concerns that had been raised by other European countries. The minister defended that the situation was adequately managed by the Spanish authorities.
The reference to a "pull effect" indicates the concern that certain policies or measures may encourage more people to attempt the crossing, worsening situations of migratory pressure at European borders. This position of Portugal aligns with the approach of other European Union countries that intend to avoid policies that may attract additional migratory flows.
