Ceuta Crisis: Spain issues ultimatum to Italy: end border controls

Spain has reportedly given Italy an ultimatum to end the border controls established in Ceuta due to a migration crisis, according to media reports. The Spanish government's official statement, quoted by state broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media, warned that "if Italy does not do this by Sunday, August 9, Spain will be forced to take proportionate measures to protect its citizens' interests and dignity." Spain considers the border controls unfair, contrary to EU interests and discriminatory towards its own population.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni firmly stated that Italy would not comply with the ultimatum. In a statement released by her office to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, she emphasized that "Italy does not accept ultimatums or foreign dictates concerning national security and border controls." Italy has pledged not to reconsider the suspension of the Schengen Agreement for third-country nationals from Spain, at least until August 15, and until all security and terrorism risks for Italy are eliminated.

Italy imposed the Schengen suspension on August 7, following a migration surge in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. Approximately 72,000 people crossed from Morocco to Ceuta. Meloni described the move as an "extraordinary measure" taken to ensure national security and prevent potential impacts on her country. The measure restricts sea and air traffic, with a focus on checking travelers without EU citizenship.

The migrants who entered Ceuta have no option to fly or take a ferry to Spanish mainland and then to Italy.