Diplomatic clashes between Spain and Italy have deepened over the migration crisis in Ceuta, after Madrid warned it would take "proportionate measures" if Rome did not lift border controls imposed on travelers coming from Spain.
The crisis began after Italy temporarily suspended the Schengen Agreement for arrivals from Spain and reintroduced border controls. In response, the Spanish government gave Italy until Sunday, August 9, to reverse the decision.
Rome rejected the ultimatum, stating that the controls would remain in place until at least August 15, due to concerns over security and a possible new wave of migration from Ceuta.
Later, Spain announced that it would reintroduce border controls at airports and ports for travelers arriving from Italy. According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, passport and visa checks will also be applied to third-country nationals entering Spain via Italy. The measures will come into effect at midnight and will last until September 7.
The crisis escalated after about 78 migrants, mainly from Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in two days. Most have left, but about 1.400 minors remain in the territory, and about 100 deaths are reported.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has suggested that criminal networks spreading disinformation may have fueled the migration wave. Morocco, on the other hand, has blamed a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that migrants caught at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.
The crisis has also created tensions within the European Union. Italy has received support from Finland and Denmark for its measures, while the Czech Republic has called for the temporary suspension of Spain's membership of the Schengen area.
