Spain gives Italy Sunday deadline to lift Schengen suspension
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Spain has given Italy until Sunday, August 9, to lift its suspension of the Schengen Agreement, threatening proportionate retaliatory measures if Rome fails to comply. The ultimatum came after Italy last Friday suspended free travel over a migrant influx into Spain’s Ceuta enclave. About 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco last week, triggering the crisis.
Spain's Ultimatum
The Spanish government called on Italy to reverse its decision, end border controls and treat Spanish citizens equally with other EU nationals. If Italy does not comply by the end of Sunday, Spain warned it would take proportionate measures to defend its citizens’ interests and dignity. Italy triggered the crisis by suspending the Schengen agreement on Friday, citing national security concerns after the arrival of some 70,000 migrants in Ceuta. Spain noted that Italy has recorded the most illegal border crossings in the EU in recent years.
Ceuta Migration Flashpoint
Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, has long been a pressure point for irregular migration. In May 2021, more than 8,000 people crossed into the territory after border controls were relaxed, prompting Spain to deploy troops and armored vehicles. The surge coincided with diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Rabat over Spain’s hosting of Western Sahara independence leader Brahim Ghali. Spanish authorities subsequently returned most adult migrants without asylum claims to Morocco under bilateral agreements, while unaccompanied minors were placed under legal protection.
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