Italy and Spain extend border checks after migration tensions in Ceuta

Italy will continue suspending the Schengen rules for travelers arriving from Spain for another 15 days, maintaining checks at the country’s ports and airports.

Rome’s decision, initially taken on August 1 after the deterioration of the migration situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, will be extended starting Monday, August 31.

In a reciprocal response, Madrid has also decided to extend checks on passengers entering Spain from Italy for 15 days. The Spanish measures were introduced on August 8 and were scheduled to be lifted on September 7.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the extension was linked to the continuing critical problems in Ceuta.

He said developments were being closely monitored and that Italy valued the efforts of Spain and the European Union to restore normality. “I hope this will be the final extension,” Piantedosi said, stressing that Rome remained ready to cooperate with Madrid and European institutions.

Meanwhile, the situation in Ceuta remains tense. Clashes between migrants were reported in the Loma Colmenar area in recent hours. Police sources said the tensions began after hundreds of people from the Maghreb, who had set up camps in the streets, entered a reception center. Large numbers of police officers were deployed to manage the situation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said false information had been disseminated about the situation in Ceuta. According to him, Russian and Israeli networks had spread disinformation about the possibility of entering Ceuta by sea.

Sánchez said the campaign was linked to efforts by the far right to exploit the migration issue and foment division in Spain and Europe.