Italy Suspends Schengen Travel With Spain Over Ceuta Migrant Crisis

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Rome: Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen free movement arrangement with Spain, tightening sea and air border controls amid growing concerns over the recent surge of migrants entering the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

The Italian government said the move was aimed at protecting national security and safeguarding the European Union's external borders following the arrival of thousands of migrants in Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco.

The decision was approved by Italy's Interior Ministry after a security assessment. France also announced tighter checks along its border with Spain while offering assistance to Madrid in managing the situation in Ceuta.

Spain criticised Italy's action, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez insisting that European countries should respond with unity and respect for EU treaties. Madrid also rejected suggestions that its immigration policies had triggered the crisis, saying migrant smugglers had exploited confusion over a recent court ruling.

The migration surge has sparked wider debate across Europe, with several countries expressing support for stricter border controls. However, the European Commission said special Schengen rules already apply to Ceuta and Melilla and stressed that checks on people leaving the enclaves remain in place.

The issue has also become a political flashpoint, with several right-wing parties across Europe backing Italy's tougher stance on migration.

Pic Credit: AFP