Spain threatens retaliation if Italy fails to lift border controls after Ceuta crossings

Spain has warned it will retaliate against Italy if the latter fails to lift border controls imposed following a recent influx of migrants to Ceuta. Approximately 78,000 migrants from Morocco arrived in the Spanish enclave within two days last week, resulting in around 100 deaths. In response, Italy partially suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain, including maritime and air entry point closures, and reinforced land border controls.

Spain accused Italy of being unjustified and discriminatory against its citizens, demanding the measures be reversed by Sunday. If Italy does not comply, Spain will take proportionate measures to protect its citizens' interests and dignity. Italy has responded by stating it will not accept any "ultimatums or impositions" from Madrid and plans to keep border checks in place until at least 15 August, when Spain expects another wave of migration to Ceuta.

The Spanish government has not announced a second wave of crossings, though reports are based on social media activity suggesting a repeat attempt. Italy's decision was to prevent migrants from traveling to Italy, while Madrid dismissed this, saying the migrants could not enter the Schengen area. This marks a new low in relations between Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italy's leader Giorgia Meloni, who advocates stricter migration rules.

The cause of the mass crossings remains unclear, but EU's Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner suggests criminal networks may be spreading disinformation. The incidents have strained relations among EU nations within the Schengen area, with Italy's move backed by Finland and Denmark, while the Czech Republic called for Spain's temporary suspension of membership.

Morocco has blamed Spain's Supreme Court for the crisis, with a local source alleging the decision overwhelmed the system's deterrent element. Meanwhile, Moroccan media reports of calls to coordinate another mass border-crossing attempt, similar to the previous influx, nearly 1,400 minors remain in Ceuta following last week's events.