Migrants rest after crossing back from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, to the Moroccan side of the border in Fnideq, Morocco, July 31, 2026. [REUTERS/Stringer]
ROME - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Friday evening that the government had decided to temporarily suspend the Schengen free-movement regime for maritime and air links with Spain and reintroduce border checks.
"This is an extraordinary measure adopted to protect national security and prevent possible repercussions for our country. The measure will remain in place only for as long as necessary, with particular attention paid to limiting any impact on summer tourism flows," Meloni said in a post on X.
The decision was made after the government assessed the latest situation regarding immigration and border security, following the recent influx of migrants from Morocco in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.
ANSA reported that Italy will implement border controls on maritime and air links with Spain for one month starting Aug 1. The checks will be carried out at Italian ports and airports.
