Italy suspends Schengen agreement with Spain.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the one-month suspension an "extraordinary measure," established to "protect national security and prevent potential repercussions for the country." The move came shortly after Meloni called for the suspension of Spain's Schengen membership on July 30, describing images of thousands of migrants flooding into Ceuta as "shocking."

Speaking to AFP, the Italian Interior Ministry confirmed that it has closed its sea and air entry points to Spain. However, the ministry also noted and reassured the public that this decision will not affect travel for Spanish citizens or citizens of other European countries to Italy. In addition, a spokesperson for the Italian Interior Ministry stated that, following discussions with neighboring France, the two countries will coordinate to strengthen existing land border controls.

Further explaining the government's decision, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani affirmed that suspending the Schengen Agreement – ​​a free travel zone without border checks for travelers – was "stipulated in the treaties and, in the current context, unavoidable." Tajani described the migrant crisis in Ceuta as a "shared responsibility" of the entire bloc, emphasizing that EU member states need to "cooperate closely to prevent uncontrollable flows of migrants into EU territory." For his part, Prime Minister Meloni pledged Italy's support for any European initiatives aimed at assisting Spain in "restoring full control over the Union's external borders."

In fact, Italy's coalition government has been making efforts to prevent tens of thousands of illegal migrants from landing on its shores each year in small boats. Key measures being implemented include signing agreements with North African countries to restrict these journeys, as well as imposing restrictions on charitable rescue ships attempting to save migrants in the central Mediterranean.