Italy suspends Schengen travel with Spain over Ceuta crisis

Italy has suspended the Schengen free-travel arrangement with Spain in response to the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, introducing temporary controls on air and sea travel between the two countries.

The Italian Interior Ministry said it had also agreed with France to strengthen controls along the Franco-Italian land border. Although Italy and Spain do not share a land border, the measures will affect passengers travelling by plane and ferry.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome was prepared to take "extraordinary measures" to protect the country's borders, while Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had earlier backed closing the Schengen area to Spain. Spain responded by summoning the Italian ambassador.

Brussels urges restraint

The European Commission said it was closely monitoring developments but cautioned against speculation over possible action under the Schengen evaluation mechanism.

"At this stage, the events are unfolding, so any speculation would be too early," a senior EU official told reporters in Brussels.

The Commission stressed that Ceuta and the nearby Spanish enclave of Melilla are already subject to a special regime under the Schengen Borders Code, with mandatory external border controls governing travel to the rest of the Schengen area.

EU officials said there had so far been no onward movement of migrants from Ceuta into the wider Schengen zone and noted that Spain remains responsible for managing the bloc's external border.

Brussels also confirmed that around 20 to 30 Frontex officers are deployed in Ceuta to assist with border checks, while Spain has not requested additional operational support.

Migration surge sparks humanitarian concerns

According to Ceuta's regional authorities, around 60,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory from Morocco within 24 hours, although the Spanish government said roughly half have since returned voluntarily.

Spain deployed additional police and military personnel to restore order, while Moroccan authorities tightened border controls, including suspending train and bus services to the country's north to curb further departures.

The European Commission said it is working with Morocco to strengthen cooperation against migrant smuggling and improve border management. It also welcomed reports that thousands of migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco.

The sudden influx has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Ceuta. According to reports, at least 57 migrants died during the crossings, including people who drowned or were killed in a stampede near a border checkpoint. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government was mobilising all available resources to respond to the emergency.

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