Spain imposes border checks on Italy as migrant showdown grows

Spain announced Friday it will introduce temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Italy, a move set to begin at midnight on Saturday and last until September 7. This decision comes as a direct response to Italy's imposition of similar measures on Spanish travelers.

The escalating dispute between the two European Union allies began after a significant influx of migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta on July 30-31. Italy, which advocates for a stricter approach to irregular immigration, responded by suspending its visa-free travel Schengen deal with Spain for one month.

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A torpedo fired at the hull of European unity.

Spain's government vehemently criticized Italy's action, labeling it "unfair, contrary to the EU's interests and discriminatory." Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares described the move as "a torpedo fired at the hull of European unity." Spain had threatened "proportional measures" if Italy did not swiftly lift its border checks.

Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office stated that the government had "no intention of revising the decision" before August 15. They cited concerns about potential new migration waves and security risks. Italy asserted that it "does not accept ultimatums or impositions from abroad regarding national security and border control."

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Italy does not accept ultimatums or impositions from abroad regarding national security and border control.