Italy has temporarily closed its sea and air borders with Spain and suspended Schengen between the two countries after thousands of migrants reached Ceuta. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and senior ministers, was approved following assessments by Italy's migration and border-security committee. Spain criticised the move, summoned Italy's ambassador and cited Frontex data; several EU states and some right-wing parties backed Italy's call for tighter controls. Diplomatic talks and scrutiny of Schengen provisions are ongoing.
Italy Temporarily Suspends Schengen With Spain, Closes Air and Sea Borders After Ceuta Migrant Surge
Italy suspends Schengen with Spain over Ceuta migrant crisis, closes air and sea borders
Italy's Interior Ministry has ordered a temporary closure of the country's sea and air borders with Spain, effectively suspending the Schengen free-movement regime between the two countries following a surge of migrants into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.
The decision was announced late on Thursday by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni alongside Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, and was formally approved on Friday morning after a meeting at the Interior Ministry chaired by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Italian authorities said the move followed assessments from the country's Committee for Migration Analysis and Border Security.
"The temporary suspension of Schengen with Spain is a necessary choice to safeguard the security of our citizens and defend the European borders. A measure provided for by the treaties and made unavoidable today,"
— Antonio Tajani (on X)
Spain reacted swiftly and critically. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez contested Italy's decision on X, arguing that "solidarity and empathy are optional. Respect for European treaties and the facts is not," and pointing to Frontex data showing higher irregular entries recorded in Italy than in Spain between 2021 and 2026. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares condemned calls to suspend Schengen and summoned Italy's ambassador in Madrid for explanations.
According to Italy's ANSA, Spain's Foreign Ministry said the Ceuta surge was not linked to its recent migrant regularisation measures but was instead triggered by an interpretation of a recent Supreme Court ruling on migrants who entered by swimming, a development the ministry said was exploited by criminal networks.
France announced reinforced checks along its land border with Spain and offered support to Spanish authorities. By Friday several other EU countries — including Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Sweden — signalled support for tighter controls or closer scrutiny of the external Schengen border.
"Spain has completely failed to protect the external border of the Schengen area from incursions. This cannot continue,"
— Mari Rantanen, Finnish Interior Minister (on X)
"The situation in Ceuta is unacceptable and I am in close contact with the Spanish authorities. I reiterate that there are no movements towards mainland Europe or other member states,"
— Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs (on X). He added that "the Schengen Borders Code contains special provisions that apply to Ceuta and Melilla, and checks on people departing from Ceuta remain in force."
The move has sparked intense political debate in Italy as the country heads toward next year’s general election, and has been welcomed by several European far-right parties, including France's National Rally, Germany's AfD and the UK's Reform UK. Critics argue the measure risks undermining EU solidarity and existing treaty obligations, while supporters say it is necessary to manage irregular migration and protect external borders.
What Happens Next: The suspension is temporary and was invoked under provisions in Schengen rules that allow member states to reintroduce border controls for security reasons. Diplomatic discussions between Italy, Spain and other EU institutions are expected to continue as the situation develops.
Help us improve.
