Spain Issues Ultimatum Over Italian Border Checks

The Government of Spain issued an ultimatum to the Government of Italy to lift temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Spain by Sunday, August 9. Italy reintroduced these controls on August 1 following a mass influx of approximately 72,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain describes the measures as unjust and discriminatory, arguing that most migrants have already returned to Morocco and could not have freely entered the Schengen area due to the special legal status of Ceuta.

Italy rejected the ultimatum, stating it does not accept foreign impositions regarding national security. The Italian government intends to maintain the suspension of the Schengen Agreement for third-country nationals arriving from Spain until at least August 15, citing rumors of another planned migrant crossing. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni characterized the checks as an extraordinary measure to prevent repercussions for the nation.

Spain warned it will adopt proportionate measures to protect its citizens if the checks are not removed. Additionally, the Spanish administration accused Italy of breaching the Dublin Regulation since 2022.