Italy defies Spanish demand to lift border curbs over Ceuta crisis
"Italy will not accept ultimatums or impositions," the Italian government said in response to Spain's demand.
Italy refused Spain's demand to lift border restrictions over the Ceuta crisis, stating it would not accept ultimatums or impositions from Madrid. The Spanish government threatened to impose travel restrictions on Italy unless Rome lifted the border controls it introduced last week due to a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta. Italy maintained its suspension of Schengen rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain, promising to keep the measures in place until at least August 15.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative government had previously stated that the stricter travel checks would remain in force until the end of the month. Spain accused Italy's decision to reinstate controls on arrivals from Spain as unjustified, contrary to EU interests, and discriminatory against the Spanish population. Meloni's office emphasized that Spanish authorities had warned of a potential new migrant influx into Ceuta on August 15, and Italy would reconsider its decision only if there were no new migration waves, security risks, or irregular migrants heading towards European territory.
Spain's Civil Guard noted online calls for a fresh border crossing attempt at Ceuta on August 15, but it is unclear how many people might participate.
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