Italy has suspended its Schengen free-travel agreement with Spain after police reported that over 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous enclave in North Africa.
Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, stated that the government introduced the temporary suspension to “protect the security of our citizens and defend the European borders.”
Officials revealed the action on Friday, just as Spain reported that authorities had returned over 48,000 migrants to Morocco.
The Schengen free-travel agreement is a pact that eliminates internal border checks between participating European nations, including Spain and Italy.
Citizens of Schengen countries can cross all member states’ internal borders without presenting their passports, while foreigners holding valid Schengen visas can travel freely across Europe.
Although Italy and Spain do not share a territorial border, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that her administration will not stand by and allow external forces to threaten the country’s security.
Meloni has consistently taken a harsh line against migration, blaming the influx for the nation’s security and economic challenges.
“The Government has decided to temporarily suspend the free movement regime provided for by Schengen in maritime and air connections with Spain, reintroducing border controls,” Meloni said.
“This is an extraordinary measure, adopted to safeguard national security and prevent possible repercussions for our Nation.
“The measure will be kept in force only for the time necessary, with particular attention to limiting any impact on summer tourist flows.”
Backstory…
Italy’s decision follows a fresh surge in migration pressure after hundreds of Moroccan migrants crossed into Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco on Wednesday.
On July 31, Madrid announced on Thursday that it has deployed soldiers to Ceuta, to maintain security after hundreds of migrants entered the Spanish North African exclave from Morocco, primarily by swimming.
Meanwhile, reports have confirmed that at least 18 people have died following the massive surge of immigrants.
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