Spain imposes border controls on Italians amid migrant dispute

Spain has introduced temporary border controls for travelers arriving from Italy, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two European Union nations. The measure, announced by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, will be in effect from Saturday midnight until September 7.

This retaliatory action follows Italy's implementation of similar border checks after a significant influx of migrants from Morocco into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta. Spain's government condemned Italy's move as "unjust, contrary to EU interests, and discriminatory towards the Spanish population."

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called Italy's decision a "torpedo fired at the hull of European unity." He urged the Italian government to reverse the decision and treat Spaniards like other European citizens, warning of "proportionate measures" if demands were not met.

However, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that Italy has no intention of revising its decision before August 15, citing expectations of a new wave of migration that could affect Ceuta. Italy emphasized that it does not accept ultimatums regarding national security and border control, and its decision would only be reconsidered when there is certainty about the absence of security risks.