Spain implements temporary border controls for Italian travelers in response to Italy's measures after Ceuta migrant influx
Spain's Interior Ministry announced on Friday, August 7, 2026, that it will implement temporary border controls at its ports and airports for travelers arriving from Italy. This decision comes in response to similar measures imposed by Rome following a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta. The controls, which begin on Saturday at midnight Friday 10 PM GMT and will last until September 7, are a reaction to the "persistence of irregular migratory pressure" that Italy faces. This rare disagreement between two EU and NATO allies follows an unprecedented movement last week where 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta. This situation has been criticized by other EU countries advocating for stricter immigration policies, including Italian far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Italian government stated it has no intention of reversing its decision to suspend the application of the Schengen agreement for third-country nationals from Spain, at least until August 15. Spain's government has criticized Italy's measure as "unfair, contrary to EU interests, and discriminatory for the Spanish population." Local media reports indicate Spanish police are monitoring online rumors and social media posts regarding potential new migrant arrivals in Ceuta, though authorities have not explicitly stated they expect a repeat of last week's influx. Meloni had previously described Italy's July 31 suspension of the Schengen agreement with Spain as an "extraor