- More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the enclave of Ceuta on July 30 and 31, though almost all returned to Morocco within 48 hours. The inflow alarmed European nations, especially right-wing governments urging tougher rules on irregular migrants.
- Italy on July 31 imposed one month of border checks on travellers from Spain, suspending the EU's Schengen Area visa-free travel arrangements due to the Ceuta influx.
- Spain announced Friday it would proceed with heightened controls, citing what it said was persistent irregular migration pressure facing Italy, deepening a tit-for-tat row between the EU partners and NATO allies.
- Spain on Saturday (Aug 8) started responding to similar measures Rome imposed, deepening the row.
- EU migration chief Magnus Brunner said he had been in contact with both the Spanish and Italian interior ministers on Saturday and that both confirmed that the internal border controls are temporary.
Spain has begun border checks on Italy following a migrant surge into Ceuta, escalating tensions between the two EU and NATO allies. The Spanish government criticized Italy's recent border measures, which suspended Schengen Area travel for a month due to the influx of over 70,000 migrants from Morocco.234
The situation arose after Italy's hard-right government imposed border checks on July 31, prompting Spain to respond with its own heightened controls. Spain cited "persistent irregular migration pressure" as the reason for its actions, deepening the ongoing dispute between the nations.
EU migration chief Magnus Brunner confirmed that both countries' internal border controls are temporary, emphasizing the importance of trust among member states. He stated, "I stressed the progress we've made on tackling illegal migration and that trust between member states is our most valuable currency," highlighting the need for cooperation amidst rising tensions.5
Tourists have expressed concern over the lack of diplomatic dialogue, with one Italian tourist, Maria Celeste Grillo, commenting on the situation, saying, "I don't see a lot of the word 'diplomacy' used in these decisions... I found their implementation 'sad.'"
The migrant influx has alarmed European nations, particularly right-wing governments advocating for stricter migration policies, further complicating the EU's approach to irregular migration.
“Italy's July 31 checks suspended Schengen visa-free travel for a month, prompting Spain's retaliation. EU migration chief Magnus Brunner said both interior ministers confirmed the controls are temporary, while an Italian tourist called the implementation "sad" and questioned the lack of diplomacy.”
