Italy Extends Suspension of Schengen Rules With Spain for 15 Days

Italy has extended its suspension of Schengen arrangements with Spain for another 15 days, keeping border checks in place for travelers arriving by air and sea from Spain.

The measure began on Aug. 1 after a migration crisis in Ceuta. Italy’s Interior Ministry said the extension reflected continuing concerns in the area, while also taking account of initiatives Spain and the European Union have launched to move the situation toward normalization.

The ministry said Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi discussed the assessment with his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, during a constructive telephone call. The decision followed an analysis by Italy’s committee on immigration and border security.

“

If it was done, it was obviously necessary.

Piantedosi defended the extension during an event in Naples. “If it was done, it was obviously necessary,” he told reporters, saying specialists still considered the reasons for the measure valid. He said the extension had been limited to 15 days because Spain and the European Union were making an appreciated effort to overcome the situation.

“I hope it can be the last,” Piantedosi said, adding that Italy was ready to cooperate with Spain and the European Union. An end to the measure, he said, would indicate that the situation was moving toward normalization.

“

I hope it can be the last.