Italy rejects Spain's ultimatum over border checks amid Ceuta migrant crisis

Spain has given Italy until Sunday to remove the border controls Rome introduced last week following a mass migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Madrid warned that if Italy does not comply, it will impose restrictions on travellers from Italy.

Italy responded swiftly, rejecting what it called "ultimatums or impositions" from Spain. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said the suspension of Schengen rules for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain will remain in place until at least August 15. The Italian government had earlier said the checks would stay until the end of the month.

Spain called Italy's decision "unjustified, contrary to the interests of the European Union and discriminatory against the Spanish population." Madrid argued that the migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly cannot access the Schengen area, making Italy's concerns baseless.

Italy, however, pointed to warnings from Spanish authorities about a possible new migrant wave on August 15. Rome said it would reconsider its position only when it is certain there is no new migration surge, no security or terrorism risk, and no irregular migrants heading toward European territory.

The dispute highlights a deeper rift between Meloni, a right-wing leader advocating stricter immigration controls, and Spain's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who supports a more liberal approach. Spain's Youth Minister Sira Rego accused Meloni of being "on a crusade" against Spain.

Last week, as many as 72,000 people attempted to cross into Ceuta, with dozens dying in the attempt. Most have since returned to Morocco, but hundreds of unaccompanied minors remain in the enclave. There is no evidence that any of the migrants intend to travel to Italy.