EU Commission: No Migrants Moved from Ceuta to Mainland Europe Amidst Spain-Italy Border Dispute

The European Commission has affirmed that no migrants have successfully relocated from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta to mainland Europe. This statement comes amidst a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Italy concerning border control measures.

According to the Commission, Spanish authorities have effectively prevented illegal movements from Ceuta into mainland Spain and subsequently into the wider European continent. A spokesperson for the EU executive stated, "As we have been informed by the Spanish authorities, the illegal displacement to peninsular Spain and Europe has so far been successfully prevented." The expectation is that all individuals who entered Ceuta illegally will be repatriated.

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As we have been informed by the Spanish authorities, the illegal displacement to peninsular Spain and Europe has so far been successfully prevented.

This situation has led to retaliatory measures, with Italy imposing controls on passengers arriving from Spain. The Italian government has defended its decision, asserting that it "does not accept ultimatums or foreign impositions on national security and border control." Rome has suspended the application of the Schengen agreement for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain until at least August 15, citing security and terrorism risks.

Spain, in response to Italy's actions, has threatened to implement "proportional" measures if the controls are not lifted. The Commission has also noted the efficient collaboration between Spanish and Moroccan authorities in managing the return of individuals who entered Ceuta illegally from Morocco last week, a number reported by Spain to be over 70,000.

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does not accept ultimatums or foreign impositions on national security and border control.