07.08.2026 17:21
The Spanish government warned that it would retaliate if Italy's border controls, implemented following the influx of irregular migrants to Ceuta, are not lifted by Sunday.
The Spanish government has warned that it will retaliate if Italy does not lift the border controls it imposed following the influx of irregular migrants into Ceuta by Sunday.
The Spanish government made a warning statement towards Italy, with which relations have been strained due to the migrant influx across the Moroccan border into Ceuta, its autonomous city status territory in North Africa.
SPAIN THREATENS RETALIATION AGAINST ITALY
The statement said that if Italy does not lift the border controls it imposed after the mass migrant influx into the Spanish enclave by Sunday, retaliation will be taken against passengers arriving from Italy.
Italy's decision to initiate controls on those coming from Spain was described as "unfair, contrary to the interests of the European Union, and discriminatory against the Spanish people."
"IF NOT LIFTED BEFORE SUNDAY..."
The statement said, "If the control measures are not lifted before Sunday, August 9, Spain will have to take proportionate measures to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens."
It was emphasized that Italy's decision to suspend the Schengen agreement, which provides for free movement within the EU, is based on "unfounded arguments" with no real basis, as migrants entering Ceuta would not be able to enter the Schengen area without controls.
It was also recalled that most of the migrants left Ceuta and returned to Morocco. It was noted that Italy has experienced the highest number of "irregular migrant entries" in recent years, with figures twice those of Spain.
IT DID THIS DESPITE HAVING NO LAND BORDER
Italy, which has no land border with Spain, had suspended the Schengen agreement with Spain on the grounds of preventing irregular migrants who illegally entered Ceuta from passing into Italy.