Key facts
- Italy extended its suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain for 15 days.
- The suspension was renewed due to persistent security risks and potential terrorist infiltration.
- The measure was first introduced on August 1 following a migration crisis at the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
- Spain has reportedly extended its own border controls for passengers arriving from Italy in response.
Italy has extended its suspension of the Schengen free movement agreement with Spain for another 15 days, citing persistent security risks and potential terrorist infiltration. The measure, initially implemented on August 1, was a response to a large influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighboring Morocco. The Italian Interior Ministry stated that significant risks to internal security remain.
This decision follows a similar extension announced on August 31. Spain has reportedly reciprocated by extending its own border controls for passengers arriving from Italy.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attributed the Ceuta incident to an international far-right disinformation campaign with links to Russia and Israel, spread via social media. He stated that the campaign aimed to divide Spain and Europe, and that there was no evidence of Moroccan authorities' responsibility. Approximately 5,000 migrants, including at least 1,200 minors, remain in Ceuta, and Spain has requested assistance from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) for processing them.