The Government of Italy has decided to extend controls at ports and airports for travelers coming from Spain for another 15 days, a measure that has been applied, by air and sea, since last August 1, when it was first activated after the migratory crisis registered in Ceuta. With this new decision, the restrictions have now reached their third extension and will remain in force for two more weeks at Italy's main entry points.
The Italian Ministry of Interior made this decision on Wednesday after consulting with the Immigration and Border Security Analysis Commission. “The objective is to reinforce the protection of European borders, also as a guarantee of national security, as well as to prevent and combat possible terrorist threats,” justifies the minister, Matteo Piantedosi, the continuity of controls due to "the current situation" in Ceuta and the persistence of the difficulties detected since the massive entry of people registered at the end of July in the autonomous city. Since then, Italian authorities have maintained and renewed these measures on several occasions, affecting travelers from Spain who enter the country by air or sea.
Albares' rejection of Italian controls
Italian controls were initially established last August 1, after the massive arrival of migrants in Ceuta at the end of July. Since then, Rome has been extending the measure, citing reasons related to security and the migratory situation in the autonomous city.
On September 15, after the second extension of Italian controls was announced, Albares was asked about the decision in the corridors of the Senate. At that time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, showed his rejection of the Italian decision and described the controls as a “disgrace” and an “absurd measure.”
Since then, Italy has again extended the restrictions, while Spain maintains its own measure in response. The controls affect travelers arriving by air or sea and will remain in force in Spain, at least, until October 8.
