Spain Imposes Border Controls on Italy Amidst Migrant and Security Tensions

Spain has introduced border controls for passengers arriving from Italy, a move that will remain in effect until September 7. The Spanish government stated that these measures are a direct response to Italy's decision to maintain border checks for Spaniards, despite Madrid's appeals for their removal.

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should give themselves to feel in the airports and seaports only on Saturday before noon

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced the implementation, which began at midnight. While the full impact was expected to be felt later in the day due to increased travel, the Spanish authorities consider the Italian controls unfair and discriminatory. Spain had previously threatened proportional retaliatory measures if Italy did not lift its checks.

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will be maintained at least until August 15

Italy, however, has indicated it will not yield to pressure and will continue its checks at least until August 15. The Italian government cited security concerns, including the risk of terrorism, threats to safety, and the potential for a new wave of migrants heading to European territory, as reasons for maintaining the controls.

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will not yield to ultimatum or pressure

These reciprocal measures stem from Italy's introduction of border controls for travelers from Spain on August 1, following a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. While Spain reported that most of these migrants were returned to Morocco, they emphasized that none had reached mainland Europe.

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will consider lifting controls when certain that there is no risk of terrorism or other security threat, a new wave of migrants heading to European territory