Italy has decided to extend for another 15 days its temporary suspension of normal Schengen travel rules for passengers arriving from Spain, maintaining border checks at Italian ports and airports amid continued concerns over the migration situation in Ceuta.
The measures were initially introduced on August 1 following a deterioration in the migration situation in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa.
The latest extension takes effect on Monday, August 31.
Spain Extends Reciprocal Controls on Travelers From Italy
Following Rome’s decision, Spain has also extended for another 15 days border controls on passengers entering the country from Italy in what has been described as a reciprocal measure.
Spain initially introduced its controls on August 8, and they had been due to expire on September 7.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the decision to maintain the restrictions was linked to continuing concerns over the situation in Ceuta.
He said Italy was monitoring developments and recognized the efforts of Spain and the European Union to stabilize the situation.
“I hope this will be the last extension,” Piantedosi said, adding that Italy remained open to cooperation with Spain and European institutions.
Tensions Continue in Ceuta
The situation in Ceuta remains tense, with recent clashes reported among migrants in the Loma Colmenar area.
According to police sources, tensions began after hundreds of people of Maghrebi origin who had reportedly been camping on the streets entered a reception center. Police deployed significant forces to bring the situation under control.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has meanwhile said that false information has been spread regarding the situation in Ceuta.
Sánchez claimed that Russian and Israeli networks had disseminated disinformation concerning the possibility of reaching Ceuta by sea.
He linked the alleged disinformation campaign to efforts by far-right groups to exploit migration as an issue capable of fueling division in Spain and across Europe.
The latest reciprocal border measures underline growing concerns about the migration crisis in Ceuta and the pressure it is placing on cooperation between European countries within the Schengen Area.
