Italy suspends Schengen rules for travelers arriving from Spain amid migrant surge

Italy has temporarily suspended Schengen rules for travelers arriving from Spain, a move Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani deemed "inevitable" after approximately 60,000 migrants arrived in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. "The temporary suspension of Schengen with Spain is a necessary decision to protect the security of our citizens and defend Europe's borders. It is a measure provided for by the treaties and has become unavoidable today," Tajani wrote on X. The Italian Ministry of the Interior confirmed that Italy has closed its maritime and air entry points to Spain. However, it clarified that this will not impact travel for Spanish and EU citizens to Italy. Border controls at air and sea points with Spain will be "targeted" and will only apply to non-European nationals arriving from Spain. The measure is set to remain in effect for one month starting Saturday. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares responded by assuring that the integrity of the Schengen free movement area is "absolutely guaranteed." He stated that most migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta illegally have returned to Morocco. Albares also noted that movement from Ceuta and Melilla to the Spanish mainland requires identification at a police checkpoint. Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had called for Spain's suspension from Schengen, describing the images of thousands of migrants arriving in Ceuta as "shocking." Tajani characterized the Ceuta migration crisis as a result of "shared responsibility," urging EU countries to collaborate to prevent uncontrolled migrant flows into the EU. Following discussions with France, Italy and France will reinforce existing land border controls. The French Interior Ministry announced a fivefold increase in police and gendarme deployments to the Franco-Spanish border by Saturday, bringing the total to 334. Aerial surveillance will also be enhanced with three border police aircraft, and train patrols will be increased.

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The temporary suspension of Schengen with Spain is a necessary decision to protect the security of our citizens and defend Europe's borders. It is a measure provided for by the treaties and has become unavoidable today.