Italy is suspending the EU’s border-free Schengen arrangements with Spain in response to the mass influx of 60,000 migrants into Ceuta.
Rome’s interior ministry said on Friday that it had also agreed with Paris to strengthen controls along the Franco-Italian land border to try to prevent any undocumented migrants from crossing.
Thousands of migrants have entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in the past few days, with Spanish troops deployed to battle the growing crisis on the border.
At least 57 people died while attempting to cross. Rachid Sbihi, who leads a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis.”
Italy does not share a land border with Spain but the measure – which looks certain to anger Madrid – will impact people travelling by plane or boat between the two countries, meaning they will need to show a passport to gain access.
Prime Minister Meloni has confirmed an ‘extraordinary’ measure to reinstate border controls with Spain, as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of free movement across air and sea borders with Spain.
She described it as “an extraordinary measure, implemented to protect national security and avert potential repercussions for our country.”
In a further indication that the measure may not extend to full border control for all arrivals from Spain , she stated, “the measure will remain in effect only for as long as necessary, with a focus on minimizing any impact on summer tourist traffic.”
She also mentioned, “Italy is prepared to support any European initiative aimed at assisting Spanish authorities in restoring full control of the Union’s external borders and addressing the current situation with resolve.”
“Protecting our borders equates to safeguarding the safety of our citizens, tackling irregular immigration, and dismantling the criminal networks involved in human trafficking,” she emphasized.