Spain has threatened to impose counter-measures on Italy if it does not lift border controls introduced after roughly 78,000 migrants from Morocco crossed into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta within hours last week. The crossings, which resulted in around 100 deaths, prompted Italy to partially suspend its Schengen arrangement with Spain, closing maritime and air entry points and reinforcing land border controls.

On Friday, Spain described Italy's move as "unjustified" and "discriminatory against the Spanish population," demanding the reversal of border restrictions by Sunday, 9 August 2026. Spain warned it would take "proportionate measures to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens" if Italy failed to comply.

Italy responded promptly, stating it would not accept "ultimatums or impositions" from Madrid and plans to maintain border checks until at least 15 August 2026, citing expectations of a new wave of migration to Ceuta.

The reasons behind the sudden influx remain unclear. However, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner suggested criminal networks spreading disinformation may have played a role, a view supported by the Spanish government. The crisis followed a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that migrants intercepted at sea en route to Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco.

Morocco blamed the crisis on the Spanish Supreme Court decision, with a government source stating, "the deterrent element of the system collapsed and the dam gave way, not under the weight of the criminals, but of a judge's decision."

Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego reported that nearly 1,400 minors, including very young boys and girls, remain in Ceuta following the crossings.

Sources