Spain and Italy agreed not to renew checks on passengers travelling between them by air and sea. Introduced after July’s migration arrivals in Ceuta, the reciprocal measures had lasted more than two months. Their interior ministers reached the agreement after their leaders’ talks, while stronger information exchange is planned to protect security within the Schengen area.
Spain and Italy agreed not to extend reciprocal border checks on flights and sea connections between the two countries. The checks had been restored in August following large migration arrivals in Ceuta, Spain’s city on the North African coast. The agreement opens the way back to ordinary travel within the Schengen area of free movement.[1], [2]
Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska spoke by telephone with his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi after Prime Ministers Pedro Sánchez and Giorgia Meloni agreed the previous week to work on reopening. Spain’s interior ministry said a detailed assessment preceded the decision and that stronger information exchange would help protect security within Schengen.[1]
Italy introduced its checks on August 1 after arrivals from Morocco into Ceuta at the end of July. Spain responded with similar measures on August 9. Some people who crossed on July 30 and 31 remain in Ceuta. Checks aimed at preventing irregular travel from the city to mainland Spain continue, alongside reception and police procedures.[1]
