Schengen border debates resurface as Italy and Spain reintroduce checks

The reintroduction of police checks at internal borders between Italy and Spain has reignited debates regarding the functioning of the Schengen area and the European Union principle of free movement. The decision by both nations to implement these controls follows the arrival of thousands of people in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.

The Schengen area, which includes 29 countries, was established to abolish internal border checks. While it encompasses 25 of the 27 EU member states, some nations like Ireland remain outside the agreement to maintain specific arrangements with the United Kingdom. Recent expansions include Romania and Bulgaria, which joined on January 1, 2025.