60,000 migrants crossed into Spain's Ceuta from Morocco
Italy has suspended Schengen border-free travel with Spain following a massive influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. The move is viewed by critics as a politically motivated gesture by the Meloni government to address domestic anti-migrant sentiment.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the ongoing strain on European border policies and the political tension between populist governments and EU integration.
Italy said it was suspending the EU's border-free Schengen arrangements with Spain in response to a mass influx of migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco.
Italy does not share a land border with Spain but the measure - which looks certain to anger Madrid - will impact people travelling by plane or boat between the two countries, meaning they will need to show a passport to gain access.
The Schengen Area allows passport-free travel across 29 European countries, although member states can temporarily reintroduce border controls on security or public-order grounds.
Italy's interior ministry said in a statement it had also agreed with Paris to strengthen controls along the Franco-Italian land border to try to prevent any undocumented migrants from crossing.
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