Italy's Meloni Rejects Spain's Ultimatum to Lift Border Checks

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy will not comply with Spain's demand to end temporary air and sea border checks that were reinstated after a large influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. The checks, applied to third‑country nationals arriving from Spain, will remain in force at least until 15 August, according to the Italian cabinet.

Spain had set a 9 August deadline and warned of reciprocal measures if the controls were not removed. Rome says the measures are a security precaution against terrorism and further migrant waves, and are not directed against Spain as a state. The controls do not affect EU citizens travelling between the two countries.