08.08.2026 12:10
Spain has decided to retaliate after Italy did not lift temporary border controls on travelers coming from Spain. As of midnight, identity and passport checks will be carried out on travelers arriving from Italy, and the measure will remain in effect until September 7. Behind the tension between the two countries are increasing irregular migration attempts toward Ceuta.
Tensions between Spain and Italy grew with reciprocal steps due to temporary border controls.
According to BBC News, the Spanish government decided to respond in kind after Italy did not lift the temporary border controls it had initiated for travelers coming from Spain.
With the measure that will take effect at midnight local time, the identity and passport information of travelers coming from Italy to Spain will be checked. It was reported that the measures will continue until September 7.
"RECIPROCITY" MESSAGE GIVEN
The Spanish government had called on Italy during the day to lift the temporary border controls. The Madrid administration had announced that otherwise, proportionate measures would be taken in line with the principle of reciprocity.
Italy, in response to Spain's move, stated that it would not accept an "ultimatum." The Italian administration said that controls would last at least until August 15, citing the expectation of a new wave of migration towards Ceuta.
MORE THAN 800 IRREGULAR MIGRANTS TRIED TO SWIM TO CEUTA
Irregular migration movements are in the background of the tension between the two countries. More than 800 irregular migrants trying to reach Ceuta, Spain's territory in North Africa, by swimming from the shores of the town of Castillejos in Morocco were intervened.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that the government had mobilized all its resources following the developments.
Following the increase in irregular migration attempts towards Ceuta, the Spanish government decided to deploy armed forces to the region to ensure security.