Spain and Italy agree to end border checks after months of tension over Ceuta

Spain and Italy reached an agreement on Thursday to end reciprocal border checks introduced after a summer migration crisis in Ceuta, resolving a tense dispute that had lasted nearly three months. The decision came following a phone call between Spanish and Italian interior ministers, and follows meetings between their respective prime ministers at the European Council.

The agreement covers border checks for both passengers and cargo traveling by air and sea between the two nations. Both countries confirmed the temporary controls would not be extended beyond their respective expiration dates of October 22nd for Spain and October 23rd for Italy. The agreement includes enhanced information-sharing measures to maintain security within the Schengen area.

The dispute began in late July when Italy imposed border checks following the arrival of nearly 80,000 migrants in Ceuta from Morocco over two days. Spain responded by introducing its own checks, leading to a series of extensions and escalating tensions between the two countries.