News from Italy
Italy Suspends Schengen Free Movement with Spain
Following the arrival of nearly 50,000 irregular migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen free movement regime with Spain. Under the new measures, passport controls will be reintroduced for passengers travelling between the two countries by air and sea.
Italy announced the temporary suspension after the mass influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain’s autonomous city in North Africa. As a result of the government’s decision, travellers flying or sailing between Italy and Spain will once again be subject to passport checks instead of unrestricted Schengen travel.
The Italian Ministry of the Interior also announced that border controls along the France–Italy land border will be strengthened under an agreement with France. Officials said the measure is intended to prevent undocumented migrants from entering the country.
The decision by Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni’ss government has drawn criticism from the opposition. Piero De Luca, a leading member of the centre-left Democratic Party, argued that the measure would not solve the migration issue, describing it as a “demagogic” and symbolic step aimed primarily at domestic politics. Opposition figures also claimed there is no concrete evidence that most migrants arriving in Ceuta intend to travel onward to Italy.
“Countries Must Work Together”
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on his X account that the temporary suspension of Schengen free movement with Spain is a necessary measure to ensure citizens’ security and protect Europe’s external borders.
Tajani emphasised that the migration crisis in Ceuta once again demonstrates that the management of the European Union’s external borders is a shared responsibility among member states. He stressed that countries must act together to prevent uncontrolled migration flows and counter potential terrorist threats.
The Meloni government, which came to power in the 2022 elections promising to reduce illegal immigration, has recently faced increasing political pressure due to the growing popularity of the far right led by former General Roberto Vannacci, who has become known for his anti-immigration rhetoric. Observers believe the government is seeking to adopt tougher border security policies as migration returns to the forefront of the political agenda.
What Happened?
On Thursday, July 30, Spanish authorities intervened after more than 800 irregular migrants attempted to swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq to Ceuta, Spain’s North African enclave. Following the incident, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government had mobilised all available resources. In response to the increase in irregular migration attempts, Spain also decided to deploy armed forces to the area to reinforce security. The Spanish government estimated that more than 49,000 irregular migrants had entered Ceuta by swimming or crossing on foot during the previous 24 hours.
Ceuta Situation Under Control
Spain later announced that the mass migration into Ceuta had been brought under control. Authorities in Madrid stated that most of the more than 50,000 people who crossed the border had voluntarily returned to the Moroccan side.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a free movement zone comprising 29 European countries, allowing people to travel across internal borders without routine passport checks. However, member states may temporarily reintroduce border controls on grounds of public order or national security.