Spain demands Italy end Ceuta crisis border controls

Spain has issued an ultimatum to Italy, demanding the immediate cessation of border controls that Rome imposed in response to the migration crisis in Ceuta. Madrid asserts that these controls are unfair, disproportionate to EU interests, and discriminatory against Spanish citizens.

The Spanish government stated, "If this is not done by Sunday, August 9th, Spain will be forced to take appropriate measures to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens." Italy has yet to formally comment on this ultimatum.

Italy suspended the application of Schengen rules concerning Spain last Saturday. This action was a reaction to the influx of approximately 72,000 illegal migrants into Ceuta from Morocco. Tragically, many migrants drowned while attempting to circumvent the maritime barrier in the Mediterranean Sea. Spain subsequently repatriated most of these migrants back to Morocco.

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If this is not done by Sunday, August 9th, Spain will be forced to take appropriate measures to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens.

This incident has heightened tensions between Madrid and several European partners. Italy and Denmark, known for their firm stance on migration issues, had even called for Spain's suspension from the Schengen Area – a move Madrid rejected as impossible under EU regulations.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the border controls as an emergency measure necessary to guarantee national security and prevent potential repercussions for Italy. Since Italy does not share a land border with Spain, the controls primarily affect sea and air traffic, targeting non-EU citizens. Migrants who entered Ceuta are reportedly unable to travel to mainland Spain by air or ferry and subsequently reach Italy.

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emergency measure that was carried out to guarantee the country's security and prevent possible consequences for Italy.