Young men who returned from Spain gather at the Bab Sebta border crossing near Fnideq, Morocco, on July 31. The rush of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa has led to an escalating border dispute between Spain and Italy. Photo by Jalal Morchidi/EPA
Aug. 7 (UPI) — Spain has threatened to take “proportional measures” if Italy continues border controls on travelers from that country by Sunday.
Rome last Saturday reintroduced border controls with Spain, temporarily suspending the Schengen Agreement that permits passport-free travel across 29 countries in Europe. Italy’s move followed by the mass arrival of unauthorized migrants into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta in North Africa last month.
“The measure adopted by the Italian government is unjust, contrary to the interests of the EU and discriminatory toward the Spanish population,” the Spanish government said in a statement.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the move is a “necessary choice to safeguard the security of our citizens and defend European borders.”
Rome said in a statement that it would not review its decision until “at least until 15 August.”
“Italy does not accept ultimatums or impositions from abroad regarding national security and border control,” Rome continued. It added the move was made “without prejudice” and it was “in line with similar decisions” previously.
Spain blasted Italy’s move that could inconvenience thousands with legal uncertainty during the summer vacation season and criticized Rome’s own problems with how it handles migrants while failing to secure its own borders.
Madrid said it would impose reciprocal measures to “protect the interests and dignity” of Spanish citizens” if Rome does not remove the border controls.
“Italy is the EU member state that has recorded the highest number of irregular crossings in recent years, with figures that have at times been twice those of Spain,” the Spanish government said. “Spain has never introduced controls on travelers from Italy.”
Late last month, some 60,000 people crossed the border from Morocco into Ceuta and overwhelmed the small North African enclave, taking advantage of a new Spanish Supreme Court ruling that said that Spain can’t send home migrants that arrive in Spanish territory. About 60 people died trying to cross into Ceuta by climbing fences or swimming to the enclave.
