Spain Reinstates Border Checks on Italy Amid Migration Dispute Over Ceuta Influx

A new dispute has erupted between Spain and Italy over migration policies and border controls following a surge of migrants crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Italy recently began conducting border checks on travelers arriving from Spain as a response to the migration wave. In retaliation, Spain announced it will end its open border policy with Italy starting this weekend, imposing checks on passengers entering from Italy.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares sharply criticized Italy's move, calling it a "torpedo at the heart of European unity" and demanding that Italy lift the border controls and treat Spanish citizens like other EU nationals. Albares warned that Spain would take "proportional" measures as long as Italy's restrictions remain.

Italy, however, rejected the criticism. The office of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that the border checks will remain in place at sea and air crossings for third-country nationals arriving from Spain until at least August 15, citing concerns over further migration waves. Meloni's office emphasized that Italy will not accept ultimatums regarding national security and border oversight.

Spain warned that the escalating reciprocal border controls risk deepening tensions within the European Union and undermining the principle of free movement. Spanish authorities reported that approximately 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta during the recent influx, with around 70,000 returned to Morocco. Official figures noted 80 deaths during the crossings, though human rights groups claim the death toll is significantly higher.

Madrid expressed hope that common sense and European solidarity will prevail to resolve the dispute.

Summary: Spain and Italy are clashing over border controls after Italy imposed checks on arrivals from Spain due to a migrant surge into Ceuta. Spain is responding with its own border checks on Italy, escalating tensions within the EU over migration and free movement.

Points: - Italy began border checks on arrivals from Spain following a migrant surge into Ceuta. - Spain will impose border controls on travelers from Italy starting this weekend. - Spanish Foreign Minister condemned Italy's move as damaging European unity. - Italy insists border checks remain until at least August 15 for national security. - Spain warns reciprocal controls threaten EU free movement and unity. - Around 72,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta recently; 70,000 returned to Morocco.

Topic: politics israel_relevant: false entities: {"people":["José Manuel Albares","Giorgia Meloni"],"organizations":[],"places":["Spain","Italy","Ceuta","Morocco","European Union"]}