Italy’s government announced on Friday (July 31) its decision to suspend the EU’s Schengen visa-free arrangement with Spain and reinstate border checks to address the situation of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants flooding into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.
To tackle the crisis of around 60,000 immigrants illegally crossing from Morocco into Ceuta in recent days, Italy decided on Friday to temporarily suspend the Schengen free movement mechanism with Spain. The EU mechanism allows citizens of its member states to freely travel among 29 countries.
Italy’s Ministry of Interior stated on Friday that Italy also reached an agreement with France to enhance control at the Franco-Italian border, preventing any undocumented migrants from crossing the two countries’ borders.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni stated on social media on Friday: “This is a special measure aimed at protecting national security and preventing any potential impact on our country.”
“Defending borders means defending citizens’ safety, combating illegal immigration, and fighting criminal networks that engage in human trafficking,” she added.
However, Meloni also mentioned that this measure would only be implemented for the necessary period.
Although Italy and Spain do not share a common land border, this measure will affect those traveling between the two countries by air or sea, meaning these travelers will need to present a passport for border crossings.
Italian Minister of Interior Matteo Piantedosi stated that these border control measures affecting air and sea travel will continue through August.
The crisis of illegal immigrants in Ceuta has sent shockwaves across Europe. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen warned on Friday that the situation in Ceuta is “unacceptable” and that dangerous border crossings must cease immediately. She also warned that the human trafficking networks will be dismantled and illegal immigrants will be promptly repatriated according to regulations.
Von der Leyen further stated that she has appointed two commissioners who will oversee specific response measures to this crisis.
Spanish officials stated on Friday evening that over 48,000 illegal immigrants have voluntarily returned to Morocco.