Madrid-Rome clash over migrants in Ceuta, border controls temporarily suspend Schengen

Relations between Spain and Italy have become strained over the migrant crisis in Ceuta, as Madrid has decided to check every passenger arriving from Italian territory by air or sea.

The checks began at midnight and are expected to remain in force for a one-month period.

Spain’s measure is a response to restrictions Rome had introduced earlier, after around 78,000 migrants crossed from Morocco toward the Spanish enclave. Italian authorities claim the checks are intended to prevent these people from traveling to Italy, but Madrid considers the argument unfounded.

The government led by Giorgia Meloni rejected the Spanish ultimatum to withdraw the measures. Rome announced that the checks would remain in force at least until August 15, citing security concerns and the risk of a second wave of migrants. Following this stance, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ordered the passports, nationalities and visas of all people arriving from Italy to be checked.

Most of the migrants who arrived in Ceuta have been returned to Morocco, while around 1,400 minors are still in the enclave. It is suspected that nearly 100 people lost their lives while attempting to cross the border.

Meanwhile, calls for another mass attempt in mid-August are circulating on social media. Spanish authorities have said that the situation is being closely monitored.