Italy extends the suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain amid a dispute over migration and security

Italy has extended by another week its suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain, a measure taken amid a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, Italian government sources told Reuters and Ansa on Friday.

Rome’s decision follows a similar measure adopted by Madrid, which has suspended the Schengen Agreement with Italy until October 22. In the coming period, the interior ministers of the two countries are expected to discuss new forms of alternative cooperation.

Italy initially suspended the agreement on July 31 and has repeatedly extended the measure, citing security concerns after a large number of migrants arrived in Ceuta, a Spanish territory located on the border with Morocco.

Madrid criticized the decision in August, calling it unfair, contrary to the interests of the European Union and discriminatory toward Spain’s population. In response, Spanish authorities introduced random checks on travelers arriving from Italy.

Italy’s opposition accused the government of propaganda, arguing that access to Ceuta does not automatically grant entry into the Schengen Area and that Italy does not share a border with Spain.