MADRID — Spain will introduce temporary border checks for visitors arriving from Italy, its interior ministry announced. The controls begin at midnight Saturday and will remain in place until Sept. 7.
The move comes in direct response to Italy's decision to impose similar border measures. Rome implemented its checks following a large influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain's North African territory.
Italy's initial controls, announced July 31, were described as an "extraordinary measure" by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She said they aimed to "safeguard national security and prevent possible repercussions for our nation."
The migration event occurred July 30 and 31, when tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. Spanish authorities characterized it as a rare and deadly rush.
Spain criticized Italy's action on Friday, calling it "unfair, contrary to the EU's interests and discriminatory for the Spanish population." Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described Italy's measure as "a torpedo fired at the hull of European unity."
Albares urged Italy to reverse its decision and treat Spaniards like other European citizens. He threatened "proportional measures" by Sunday if Italy failed to comply.
Hours later, Italy's government responded. Prime Minister Meloni's office said it "had no intention of revising the decision" before Aug. 15, a date by which Italy said Spanish authorities expected a new wave of migration to Ceuta.
Meloni's office further said that Italy "does not accept ultimatums or impositions from abroad regarding national security and border control." A reconsideration would occur "only when there is certainty that there are no security or terrorism risks to Italy, that no new wave is occurring, and that no irregular migrants are heading toward European territory," it said.
Spain's interior ministry announced its reciprocal border checks within hours of Italy's refusal to lift its own measures.
Italy, which does not share a land border with Spain, implemented its controls at maritime and air entry points. The checks specifically target third-country nationals arriving from Spain.
Despite the new controls, Italy's office said border authorities would "do their utmost to ensure maximum ease of movement for Spanish and European citizens" not directly affected by the checks.
Spanish police have been monitoring online rumors and social media discussions about potential fresh arrivals in Ceuta in mid-August. Authorities have not officially said they expect a repeat of last week's rush.
