Italy has temporarily suspended Schengen border-free travel with Spain for one month following a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.
The decision comes after up to 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta within 24 hours, sparking a humanitarian and political crisis. Reports indicate that at least 60 people died while attempting the dangerous journey.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the mass crossings as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity and vowed to use all available resources to restore order and protect residents. He blamed human trafficking networks for exploiting a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that limits the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea.
Spain has announced plans to establish a temporary reception centre to process migrants and speed up deportations for those without legal grounds to remain. Authorities also plan to install a buoy barrier at Ceuta’s Tarajal beach to reinforce the border.
By Friday, Spanish authorities said more than 37,500 migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco, while additional police officers and soldiers were deployed to Ceuta.
Italy’s response means travellers flying or sailing between Spain and Italy will be required to present passports during the one-month suspension. Rome also agreed with France to tighten controls along the Franco-Italian border to curb secondary migration.
The move sparked diplomatic tensions after Italy suggested Spain’s migrant regularisation policy had encouraged human trafficking. Spain rejected the claim, summoning Italy’s ambassador and accusing Rome of politicising the crisis.
The European Commission stressed that Ceuta and Melilla operate under special Schengen rules that prevent migrants from moving freely across the passport-free zone. EU officials described the situation as unacceptable, while Ireland voiced support for Spain and called for emergency EU crisis meetings.
Moroccan authorities blamed criminal trafficking networks for the crossings and reaffirmed their cooperation with Spain. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups warned that thousands of migrants, including children, remain stranded in Ceuta without adequate shelter, with many sleeping in parks and on the streets.
