The Spanish government has decided to restore border controls with Italy, after the Italian authorities refused to abandon checks on travelers from Spain.

The Spanish government has announced that, starting Saturday, August 8, it will reintroduce border controls with Italy, in response to the refusal of the Italian authorities to lift the checks imposed on travelers from Spain.

This measure comes in the context of the migration crisis in the city of Ceuta, where massive entries of migrants have occurred. Madrid has asked Italy to lift these controls, threatening proportional measures to protect the interests of Spanish citizens. The controls will consist of random checks of the identity of travelers, including citizens of third countries. Spanish authorities emphasize that the measures will remain in effect until September 7, 2026, unless the situation changes.

Italy, on the other hand, has justified the controls on grounds of national security, refusing to accept Madrid's requests and stating that it will not tolerate external ultimatums. The crisis in Ceuta has led to the illegal entry of approximately 72,000 people from Morocco, with a significant number of casualties during the crossings.