Spain extends Italy Schengen checks for 15 days

Spain is keeping border checks on people arriving from Italy by plane or ferry for another 15 days. The move follows Italy’s decision on Monday to continue its own checks on travellers from Spain for the same period. Spain’s Interior Ministry announced the extension as the dispute between Madrid and Rome continues over migration in Ceuta.

Spain introduced the checks on 8 August for an initial month. Italy had already begun checking people arriving on flights and ships from Spain on 1 August.

Schengen is Europe’s free-movement area, where people can normally travel between participating countries without routine border controls. Italy’s Interior Ministry will shortly notify the European Union of its decision, according to Italian agency ADN Kronos, because it is an exceptional measure.

The row began after the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta on 30 July. Italy says its decision rests on an assessment by its Committee for Immigration and Border Security, while also noting steps taken by Spain and the European Union towards restoring normality.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the checks make “no sense”. Spain had originally planned to keep its reciprocal controls on arrivals from Italy until 7 September, with the option of ending them earlier if Italy did the same. Rome has not lifted its measures.

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Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com