Italy suspends Schengen with Spain over migrant crisis

Italy has suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain, a move that signals a sharp escalation in tensions over migration policy. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, announced the suspension on July 31, citing security concerns and a recent influx of migrants.

The immediate trigger for Italy's decision appears to be a Spanish Supreme Court ruling from July 26. The court determined that migrants intercepted at sea attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla, Spanish autonomous cities in North Africa, cannot be immediately returned under a special border entry refusal procedure. This ruling has been met with strong criticism from Italy.

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The images from Ceuta show that the Madrid government's decision to grant Spanish citizenship to over 500,000 illegal migrants, and thus EU citizen status, is extremely mistaken and encourages human trafficking.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the suspension necessary, arguing that Spain's decision to grant citizenship to over 500,000 irregular migrants is a "grave mistake" that fuels human trafficking. Prime Minister Meloni echoed these sentiments, stating that Italy "will not sit idly by" and is prepared to take "extraordinary measures" to protect its borders and citizens. She emphasized that Italy's priorities remain border protection, combating smugglers, and the effective return of illegal immigrants.

The situation has been exacerbated by a recent incident where thousands of people breached the Moroccan-Spanish border, leading to at least 18 deaths and drownings. This event has intensified the political dispute among European leaders regarding the security of the EU's external borders. Italy's move has been supported by Finland and Denmark, further isolating Spain on this issue.

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We are convening consultations with the responsible authorities and, based on their results, we are prepared to take measures, including extraordinary ones, to protect our borders and the security of our citizens, including the possibility of suspending the Schengen agreement with respect to Spain. We will not back down one iota on the issue of illegal migration. Protection of our borders, the fight against human traffickers, and the effective return of those who have entered illegally will continue to be the priorities of this government.