Meloni Stands Up to Sánchez and Will Maintain Border Controls Until August 15

The Italian Government rejected Spain’s ultimatum on Friday and confirmed that it will maintain border controls with its neighbouring country at least until August 15, when the situation will be reviewed.

Rome has made clear that it will not accept “ultimatums or impositions from abroad” on matters related to national security.

The response came after the Spanish Government demanded the removal of the controls introduced on July 31, following the migration crisis in Ceuta, and warned that, if Italy did not reverse its decision by Sunday, it would adopt “proportionate” measures to defend the interests of Spanish citizens.

Spain Considers the Controls Unjustified

According to Spanish Government sources, Italy’s decision is unilateral and does not comply with the Schengen Borders Code. Madrid also argues that the controls have caused mobility problems for thousands of travellers during the peak tourist season.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said there is “no reason” for Italy to maintain the controls, arguing that the migration crisis in Ceuta has already been “channelled and brought under control” following the return of most migrants who entered the autonomous city irregularly.

The Spanish Government also points out that Ceuta has a special status within the Schengen area, meaning migrants who enter the city irregularly cannot move freely throughout the other member states.

Italy Defends Border Controls on Security Grounds

The Government of Giorgia Meloni maintains that the decision is based exclusively on security concerns and that the measures are temporary.

The Italian prime minister had previously described the controls as “extraordinary”, arguing that they were necessary to protect the country’s interests against the potential consequences of the migration crisis.

Meanwhile, Italy has also strengthened coordination with France to increase surveillance along their shared border.

Madrid has stressed that, according to Frontex data, Italy has been one of the European Union countries recording the highest number of irregular migrant arrivals in recent years, with figures that during some periods have been significantly higher than those recorded by Spain.

The border controls will remain in place at least until August 15, when the Italian authorities are expected to reassess the situation.