Context: the dispute over Schengen checks between Italy and Spain deepened after the crisis in Ceuta
Before the measures were withdrawn, Italy repeatedly extended the suspension of the Schengen rules in relation to Spain, particularly on air and maritime routes. In official communications, the authorities in Rome cited assessments by the Committee for the Analysis of Immigration and Border Security, which indicated elevated risks to internal security, including the possibility of dangers associated with terrorist infiltration.
At the same time, the dispute was fueled by the scale of the crisis in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta: according to the Italian authorities, between 5,000 and 8,000 people remained in the area, while at least 82 migrants were found dead at the border, with Morocco confirming a further 14 deaths. In response to the Italian checks, Spain introduced random checks on travelers arriving from Italy.
On August 8, Madrid also announced the restoration of checks at the borders with Italy, maintaining the measure until September 7, 2026, as Italy refused to abandon the checks. Madrid warned that it would apply “countermeasures” if Rome did not suspend its temporary checks.
