MADRID, August 7. /TASS/. Spain threatened "proportional measures" against travelers from Italy if Rome fails to lift border controls introduced in connection with the Ceuta migrant run by August 9, Reuters reported, citing the Spanish government.
The document said "the measure adopted by the Italian government is unjust, contrary to the interests of the EU and discriminatory toward the Spanish population."
Madrid stressed that none of the migrants who illegally arrived in Ceuta last week had been allowed to move freely within the Schengen Area. Spanish authorities noted that migration rules currently in effect in the enclave prevent such a scenario.
The Spanish government urged Italy to lift border controls no later than August 9, warning that it would otherwise have to take retaliatory measures. The statement did not specify what steps could be taken.
Earlier, during an EU video conference called by Rome over the Ceuta migration crisis, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the country's temporary suspension of the Schengen free-movement agreement at the border with Spain was not directed against Madrid.
