Spain Imposes Border Controls on Flights From Italy Amid Migrant Row

Spain’s government has activated police checks at its air and sea borders for passengers arriving from Italy, in a sharp escalation of a diplomatic dispute over migration. The order, published in Spain’s official state bulletin (BOE) on Sunday, was signed by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. It targets flights and maritime links from Italy, citing "the high pressure recorded on the central Mediterranean route." The decision follows a clash between Spain’s Socialist government and Italy’s far-right administration led by Giorgia Meloni, triggered by a migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Aagesen, said the government expects Italy to "react" and to "assume that the Schengen area is guaranteed." The Schengen zone normally allows border-free travel between member states. Italy has called the Spanish controls "unacceptable and incomprehensible." Rome had previously activated similar checks against Spain during the Ceuta crisis. On the first day of the new measures, Spanish National Police checked 199 travelers from third countries who arrived in Spain on twelve flights from Italy. At least 27 police officers took part in the operation. The move marks a rare public rupture between two EU partners over migration policy.