- On August 8, Spain started border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, responding to similar measures imposed by Italy due to a migrant influx into Ceuta.
- Spain announced on Friday that it would proceed with heightened controls, citing "persistent irregular migration pressure" facing Italy.
- On July 31, Italy imposed one month of border checks on travellers from Spain, suspending the EU's Schengen Area visa-free travel arrangements.
- More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, with most returning within 48 hours.
- The new checks on incoming travellers from Italy will apply until September 7, according to Spain's interior ministry.
Spain has begun border checks on travelers from Italy until September 7, a response to Italy's similar actions due to a significant migrant influx into Ceuta. This situation has intensified tensions between the two nations, both EU partners and NATO allies.15
On July 30 and 31, over 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, although most returned within 48 hours. Spain's interior ministry cited "persistent irregular migration pressure" as a reason for the new checks, which were announced on August 8.24
Spain's left-wing government has criticized Italy's hard-right administration for imposing border checks on Spanish travelers starting July 31, which suspended the EU's Schengen Area visa-free travel arrangements. This back-and-forth has raised concerns about the stability of the Schengen framework amid rising migration challenges in Europe.3
The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of managing migration within the EU, as member states grapple with national security and humanitarian responsibilities. The situation remains fluid, with both countries under pressure to address the migrant crisis effectively while maintaining diplomatic relations.
“The row deepens as Spain's left-wing government accuses Italy's hard-right government of unfairly suspending Schengen visa-free travel on July 31. More than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30-31, though most returned within 48 hours.”
Le Monde.fr
