Key facts
- Italy has suspended its participation in the Schengen agreement with Spain.
- Italy has closed its air and sea borders to Spain.
- The suspension is in response to a large influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
- The European Commission stated that migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly will not reach mainland Europe.
- Around 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta on Thursday, the largest surge of irregular arrivals on EU territory.
Italy has suspended its participation in the Schengen agreement with Spain and closed its air and sea borders to the country, citing a significant migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The decision follows earlier actions by France, which increased border checks with Spain, and reflects broader European concerns about border control.
The European Commission stated that migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly will not be able to reach mainland Europe, as checks remain in place for those leaving the enclave. Schengen rules apply to EU citizens and those with valid permits; irregular migrants face identity checks and potential asylum procedures, with Moroccan citizens having a low recognition rate for protection.
Around 60,000 migrants, primarily Moroccans, entered Ceuta on Thursday, marking the largest surge of irregular arrivals on EU territory. Several EU countries, including Italy, Finland, and Denmark, have criticized Spain's handling of its external borders. Spanish authorities have deployed military units to Ceuta, and nearly half of the recent arrivals have voluntarily returned to Morocco.