Danish Prime Minister Metta Frederiksen called on the European Commission to investigate the implications of Spain's migrant settlement plan, accusing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of running an immigration policy that contradicts the direction taken by most European countries.
Spain approved a decree in April 2026, initially expected to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented immigrants, and provide eligible applicants with one-year residence and work permits. Almost 1.18 million applications were subsequently submitted.
Denmark fears the policy could encourage more irregular migration to Europe, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney has also criticized Madrid's approach.