Spain threatens Italy with countermeasures if border checks kept
Italy introduced the measures after a mass migrant influx into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. Spain has warned of 'proportionate measures' if Italy does not lift its restrictions by Sunday. 'Italy does not accept ultimatums,' Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said in a statement.
Spain has established border controls for travelers from Italy, in response to Italy's decision to implement similar measures against Spanish travelers. The controls went into effect on Saturday and will continue until September 7. Spanish border agents will verify passports, nationalities, and visas for Italian passengers and those arriving from other countries who have traveled from Italy.
Spain accused Italy of being unjustified, against EU interests, and discriminatory against Spanish citizens, noting that the vast majority of approximately 72,000 returning travelers would quickly reach Morocco. Italy refused Madrid's ultimatum to lift the entry checks, maintaining its suspension of Schengen rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain until at least August 15.
European countries, including Germany, and the European Commission expressed concerns about border security within the Schengen Zone. Migration analyst Gerald Knaus labeled the move as "pure populism" and a "completely bizarre" measure, noting that Ceuta is not on the European mainland and that the controls affected only a few flights during peak tourist season.
The issue reflects the differing migration policies and stances of Italy and Spain, with Meloni adopting a tougher stance and Sanchez championing a more pro-migration approach.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
