The Italian decision risks escalating and prolonging the confrontation between the two EU countries
Italy is extending border controls on arrivals from Spain for another 15 days escalating the tit-for-tat Schengen dispute triggered by the mass migration crisis in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta.
The Italian ministry of the interior announced on Monday that it will be notifying the European Commission of the extension of controls at its air and maritime borders with Spain.
“The decision was made, (…) because the factors that had led to their reintroduction on August 1 still persist,” the ministry said.
The measures, first introduced on August 1 for one month, were initially prompted by the unprecedented influx of migrants into Ceuta and concerns over the potential security and migration consequences for the wider passport-free Schengen travel area.
