The Spanish government issued an ultimatum to Italy on Friday, demanding that it lift border controls imposed on travellers coming from Spain by Sunday, arguing that the measure is "unjust, contrary to the interests of the European Union and discriminatory towards the Spanish population."
If the measures remain in place, the administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that it will adopt "proportionate measures" to defend the interests of Spanish citizens, but gave no details about what those measures might be.
In a statement, the Spanish government argues that the decision taken by Rome on 1 August "is based on spurious arguments incompatible with the Schengen Borders Code and with the facts."
Rome responded later on Friday, saying: "Under no circumstances do we intend to review our decision to suspend the application of the Schengen Agreement for third-country nationals coming from Spain, at least until 15 August" - when another mass migrant crossing into Ceuta is rumoured to be planned.
"Italy does not accept ultimatums or impositions from abroad regarding national security and border control," the Italian government continued in a statement, adding that the decision had been made "without prejudice" and that it was "in line with similar decisions" taken previously.
