Spain reinstates border controls with Italy after ultimatum rejected

Spain has reinstated border controls for travellers arriving from Italy, effective from 00:00 on Saturday 8 August and initially until 7 September. The decision follows Italy's refusal to lift its own controls on travellers from Spain, which were imposed on 1 August after a mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta from Morocco. Source: elespanol

The dispute

The Spanish government had asked Italy to remove its controls by Sunday, warning it would otherwise adopt "proportional" measures. Italy's government, led by Giorgia Meloni, rejected the request, calling it an "ultimatum" and stating it would not review its decision until at least 15 August. Source: infobae In response, Spain's government, under Pedro Sánchez, imposed reciprocal controls. Source: elespanol

Measures and justification

The controls involve random identity and nationality checks, and for third-country nationals, visa or residence permit verification. Source: infobae Spain justifies the move citing the "persistent irregular migratory pressure" affecting Italy, and notes that Italy, according to Frontex, has recorded more irregular crossings than Spain in recent years. Source: infobae Spain also argues that migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly cannot freely enter the Schengen area due to the city's special status, calling Italy's arguments "spurious." Source: infobae

What's next

The controls will remain in place until 7 September unless circumstances change. Italy has said it will not lift its controls until security and terrorism risks are fully eliminated. Source: infobae