Spain starts border checks on Italy after migrant row

Spain began implementing border checks on travelers arriving from Italy on Saturday, escalating a diplomatic row between the two European Union partners. This move mirrors similar measures Rome imposed earlier, citing "persistent irregular migration pressure" after a large influx of migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta.

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I don't see a lot of the word 'diplomacy' used in these decisions, not by the Italian government, nor by the Spanish government.

The dispute centers on Spain's complaint that Italy's government unfairly targeted Spanish travelers with border controls on July 31. Spain argues this suspension of the EU's Schengen visa-free travel was a reaction to the massive migrant crossings into Ceuta. Over 70,000 migrants reportedly crossed from Morocco into the enclave on July 30 and 31, though most were returned to Morocco shortly after.

An Italian tourist in Madrid described the situation as "sad," noting the lack of visible added checks upon her arrival but lamenting the implementation of such measures. The EU's migration chief, Magnus Brunner, confirmed he had spoken with both Spanish and Italian interior ministers. He emphasized that the internal border controls are temporary and stressed the importance of trust and cooperation between member states in managing illegal migration.

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both confirmed that the internal border controls are temporary.

The situation underscores the ongoing challenges European nations face in handling irregular migration. While the immediate border checks are temporary, the underlying tensions between Spain and Italy regarding migration policies and shared responsibilities remain a significant point of contention within the EU.

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I stressed the progress we've made on tackling illegal migration and that trust between member states is our most valuable currency.