Italy Reintroduces Border Checks With Spain Amid Migrant Row

Key facts

• Italy has reintroduced border checks for travelers arriving from Spain.
• The measure is described as precautionary and aimed at monitoring non-EU citizens.
• Spain criticized the EU's response to the Ceuta migrant surge.
• Italy, Finland, and Denmark had previously backed calls for Spain's suspension from the Schengen area.
• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote to EU leaders seeking intervention.

Italy has reintroduced border checks for travelers arriving from Spain, a move described as precautionary and aimed at monitoring the movement of non-EU citizens within the Schengen area. This decision follows a significant migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and has escalated a diplomatic dispute between Rome and Madrid.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the EU's response to the crisis, calling it 'selfish' and 'polarizing.' He has written to European leaders, including the European Council President and European Commission President, urging intervention. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, had previously supported calls for Spain's suspension from the Schengen visa-free travel zone.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that most irregular migrants from Morocco had been repatriated and did not reach mainland Spain or other EU countries. She indicated readiness to participate in a videoconference requested by European leaders to discuss urgent measures against irregular migration, focusing on strengthening external borders and combating human trafficking.