Italy suspends Schengen with Spain over Ceuta migrant crisis; Meloni cites national security

Italy has suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain, citing national security concerns amid a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni declared the suspension necessary to safeguard national security, a move that has drawn criticism from Spain. "Solidarity is optional, respect for EU treaties is not," stated Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, highlighting a diplomatic rift over the handling of the crisis. The situation in Ceuta, a Spanish territory bordering Morocco, became critical as an estimated 60,000 migrants arrived within 24 hours. Many attempted the crossing by sea, resulting in at least 57 reported deaths. Spanish authorities reported that over 48,000 migrants have already been returned to Morocco. Sanchez attributed the arrivals to "mafias and traffickers" and described the situation as "an attack on Spain's territorial sovereignty." The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated that Italy and Finland cannot suspend Schengen, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the images from Ceuta "unacceptable" and urged rapid repatriations. The United States also weighed in, with the State Department criticizing Spain's policies for allegedly encouraging illegal immigration. Meanwhile, France has reinforced its border controls with Spain, and the UK has offered assistance to Madrid. The Italian government maintains that the crisis is not linked to migrant regularization policies, a claim disputed by sources in Madrid.

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The suspension of Schengen to protect national security.