Spain has introduced temporary border controls on air and sea travel from Italy, escalating a dispute between the two European Union countries over migration. The measures began at midnight and are set to remain in place until September 7, unless conditions change. Spain said the checks were introduced amid continued irregular migration pressure following a major influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.
The dispute began after Italy imposed similar restrictions on travellers arriving from Spain, citing concerns that migrants who entered Ceuta could travel onward to Italy. Rome said the measures would remain in place until at least August 15, while Madrid rejected Italy’s reasoning, arguing that migrants arriving in Ceuta had no route into the Schengen area. Spain has demanded that Italy lift its controls, while Italy has said it will not accept what it described as ultimatums.
The measures have caused additional checks and queues at some Italian airports, particularly for non-EU travellers arriving from Spain. Most migrants who reached Ceuta were returned within days, although nearly 1,400 minors remain in the territory. Spanish authorities have not confirmed expectations of another major influx from Morocco, while the dispute has raised further questions over the EU’s Schengen free-travel system and migration policies.
