Italy Extends Schengen Controls With Spain 15 Days
Italy Extends Schengen Controls With Spain 15 Days
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Key Points
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Spain notified the European Union of the extension, while its government had unsuccessfully requested that Italy lift the controls.
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The extension was adopted after a meeting of Italy’s Committee for the Analysis of Immigration and Border Security, whose assessments were cited as the basis for maintaining the checks.
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Of the 31 people denied entry during the checks, eight were Moroccan citizens, according to data released by Italian authorities on Aug. 31.
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Italy initially suspended the Schengen arrangements with Spain on July 31, responding to the mass influx into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco; the controls were subsequently introduced from Aug. 1, according to the Spanish report.
Italy has extended border checks on travelers from Spain for another 15 days, continuing its suspension of free movement under Schengen rules. Travel and Tour World reports the measure targets security risks and potential terrorist infiltration following a mass migrant arrival in Spain's Ceuta enclave. Italian authorities checked over 180,000 travelers by late August, denying entry to 31 people and detaining six.
The extension was approved after a meeting of Italy's Committee for the Analysis of Immigration and Border Security. Spain had unsuccessfully asked Italy to lift the controls, but Rome says the random checks at ports and airports remain necessary to protect national security.
How Italy's Border Crackdown Began
Italy first suspended Schengen arrangements with Spain on July 31, responding to a sudden migrant surge into Ceuta from Morocco. News Cord explains that over 72,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave in a short span. Border controls started August 1 and have now been extended twice since then.
Who Gets Stopped and Why
Of the 31 people denied entry during checks, eight were Moroccan citizens, according to data released August 31. Voice of Emirates reports Italian officials justified the extension as necessary to counter significant internal-security risks. The random screening has affected both air and maritime travelers crossing between the two EU nations.
Spain's Failed Push to End the Controls
Spain's government formally notified the European Union of Italy's extension but had requested that Rome lift the controls entirely. Yahoo reports the dispute centers on how each country is handling migrants in Ceuta. Italy argues its temporary checks are essential, while Spain views them as an obstacle to EU free movement principles.
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