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 by sea within hours on Thursday and Friday last week.

In response to the crossings, which resulted in around 100 deaths, Italy partially suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain. This suspension included 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 these controls by Sunday, 9 August 2026. Spain warned it would introduce "proportionate measures to protect the interests and dignity of its citizens" if Italy failed to comply.

Italy promptly rejected Spain's warning, stating it would not accept "ultimatums or impositions" from Madrid. Italy plans to maintain border checks until at least 15 August 2026, anticipating a new wave of migration to Ceuta.

The reasons behind the sudden migrant influx remain unclear. However, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner suggested criminal networks spreading disinformation were responsible, a view supported by the Spanish government.

The crisis followed a ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned to Morocco. Morocco blamed the ruling for the crisis, 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."

Nearly 1,400 minors, including very young boys and girls, remain in Ceuta following the crossings, according to Spanish Youth Minister Sira Rego.

Sources