Italy keeps Schengen suspension with Spain in place for further 15 days over Ceuta tensions

On Monday, Italy and Spain announced a 15-day extension of reciprocal border checks imposed in a dispute over a recent migrant rush into Ceuta, a Spanish north African territory. The Italian interior ministry stated that the extension was necessary due to the ongoing relevance of the assessment factors that led to the checks' introduction on August 1.

Both countries maintain that they are working towards normalizing the situation in the area. Spain's interior ministry echoed this sentiment, announcing a reciprocal extension of the same duration.

It is important to note that Italy and Spain do not share a land border; however, travellers arriving by flight now undergo passport checks. This is unusual, as both nations are members of the Schengen free-travel zone, which typically does not require such controls. Ceuta, where the border checks are in effect, is not part of the Schengen zone.

The checks were implemented following a chaotic influx of over 70,000 migrants on July 30-31, who swam or walked across from Morocco. This influx resulted in multiple deaths and heightened tensions in the European Union over migration issues. Despite Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni calling for Spain's suspension from the Schengen area, such a move is legally unfeasible.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that the migrant rush is still under investigation, though he dismissed any responsibility on the part of Moroccan authorities. The Socialist leader also criticized misinformation spread by the "ultra-right." While most migrants returned to Morocco shortly after arrival, thousands remain in Ceuta, a city only 18 square kilometers in size. Many of these individuals live on the streets.