Spain announced yesterday the implementation of temporary border controls for travelers arriving from Italy. This decision follows Italy's similar measure after a large influx of migrants from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior stated in a press release that these measures, introduced amid "ongoing pressures of irregular migration" affecting Italy, will begin at midnight Saturday and continue until September 7.
This development comes after the Spanish government urged Italy to "rectify the situation" by the end of the day, warning of "proportionate measures to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens."
A rare dispute has emerged between two allied nations within the European Union and NATO after 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish-administered enclave of Ceuta last week, in an unprecedented migration wave.
The scenes of migrant crossings have drawn sharp criticism from other EU countries calling for strict policies on irregular migration and the protection of the bloc's external borders, spearheaded by Italy.
Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen Agreement with Spain for a month, closing its sea and air ports to non-Spanish citizens arriving from Spain, and tightened border checks.
The Spanish government reiterated its condemnation of Italy's stance, labeling the move as "unjust, contrary to EU interests, and discriminatory against the Spanish people."
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described Italy's actions as a "torpedo aimed at European unity."
Italy's government responded Friday afternoon, stating "we have no intention of reversing our decision to suspend the Schengen Agreement for third-country nationals coming from Spain, at least until August 15," rejecting any "ultimatum or dictate... concerning national security and border control."
According to local media, Spanish police are monitoring online rumors and social media about a potential new wave of migrants reaching Ceuta in mid-August, although authorities have not explicitly stated an expectation of a repeat of last week's influx.
Italy's government added that "overturning this decision will only be considered when there is certainty of no security or terrorist threat to Italy," while simultaneously referring to Spain as a "friendly nation."
The Italian statement further mentioned that border authorities "will do their utmost to ensure maximum ease of movement for Spanish and European citizens" who are exempt from the border checks.
Italy's far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain starting July 31 for one month as an "exceptional measure" aimed at "preserving national security and preventing potential repercussions on our country."
Meloni, along with other European leaders, also called for the suspension of Spain's membership within the Schengen area, although such a decision is legally impossible.
The Spanish government cautioned against "provoking unnecessary divisions and conflicts driven by domestic electoral motives," expressing "confidence that pro-European sentiment, reason, and goodwill will ultimately prevail."
Out of the 72,000 migrants who arrived in Ceuta, 70,000 have returned to Morocco, according to official Spanish figures which reported 80 deaths.