Giorgia Meloni extends suspension of Schengen free movement agreement with Spain for at least 15 days

Italy's Interior Ministry stated that the extension was necessary because the situation in Ceuta remains critical, with 5,000 to 10,000 irregular migrants still remaining in the exclave. This influx caused significant tension with local residents and triggered a migration emergency. Spain responded to Italy's move by introducing its own border controls for passengers arriving from Italy. Spain also extended these measures for another 15 days in a tit-for-tat response. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi noted that the border checks only affect third-country nationals and do not impact travelers from Italy, Spain, or other European Union members. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attributed the crisis to a disinformation campaign on social media regarding a Supreme Court ruling. He stated there was no evidence that Moroccan authorities were responsible for the crisis.