Italy suspends Schengen agreement with Spain amid migrant crisis
Photo: an Italian airline plane (Getty Images)
Italy considered this forced measure earlier on July 31, according to a statement from Italy’s Ministry of the Interior, La Stampa reports.
Italy suspends Schengen rules with Spain
Italy’s Ministry of the Interior has ordered the closure of maritime and air borders with Spain, the outlet reports.
The decision was made after receiving the latest collected information, analyzed, in particular, by the Immigration and Border Security Committee. The committee was chaired by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi earlier today at the Interior Ministry, La Stampa writes.
In addition, after a phone call between Piantedosi and his French counterpart Laurent Nuñez, the two sides agreed on the possibility of strengthening controls along the land border.
The move will take place within the framework of police cooperation agreements previously signed between France and Italy.
Italy to carry out checks
Italy’s Ministry of the Interior said border police would conduct "targeted, selective checks" on third-country nationals arriving from Spain.
The checks are aimed at verifying whether they have the necessary documents to travel within the EU, Reuters reports.
According to The Guardian, Italy has not yet officially informed any of its partners about its decision to suspend the Schengen agreement with Spain.
Updated at 8:48 p.m. Kyiv time
Later, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni officially announced the temporary suspension of free movement under the Schengen Agreement. The measure applies to maritime and air travel with Spain. Border controls have been reinstated.
"This is an extraordinary measure adopted to protect national security and prevent potential repercussions for our country. It will remain in force only for as long as necessary, with particular attention paid to minimizing any impact on summer tourist flows," Meloni said.
At the same time, Italy is ready to support any European initiative aimed at assisting Spanish authorities. This includes restoring full control over the EU’s external borders and addressing the current situation.
"Protecting borders means protecting citizens' security, combating illegal immigration, and fighting criminal networks involved in human trafficking," Meloni added.
EU calls for Schengen suspension for Spain
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that leaders of several European countries called for suspending Spain’s participation in the Schengen Area due to the large-scale migration crisis in Ceuta.
Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said all EU countries should support Italy’s proposal to suspend Spain’s Schengen status. According to her, Rome is already considering such a possibility, which was previously confirmed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
US President Donald Trump also said that the migration "wave" of tens of thousands of people that "flooded" Ceuta resembled an "invasion."
