Spain: Schengen Area Security 'Guaranteed' Amidst Italian Border Controls

Spain's government on Friday asserted that the Schengen Area's security is "fully guaranteed." This declaration followed Italy's decision to implement temporary border controls for individuals arriving from Spain. The Italian measure was a response to a surge of migrants crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

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The vast majority of those who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated on the platform "X" that the "vast majority" of those who entered Ceuta had returned to Morocco. He accused critics of Spain of spreading "confusion" regarding the crisis's repercussions. Albares explained that anyone leaving the occupied enclaves of Ceuta or Melilla for mainland Spain undergoes prior security checks and identity verification at police checkpoints. He reiterated that "the security of the Schengen area is completely guaranteed."

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the security of the Schengen area is completely guaranteed.

Albares' remarks came hours after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the temporary suspension of certain Schengen Agreement arrangements with Spain. This move involved reintroducing controls on passenger traffic between the two countries. Tajani deemed the step "necessary to protect citizens' security and defend Europe's borders."

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necessary to protect citizens' security and defend Europe's borders.