# Italy-Spain migration policy tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italy-spain-migration-policy-tensions > Updated: 2026-08-20T07:37:37.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Diplomatic tensions have emerged between Italy and Spain regarding migration management and the situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi defended Italy’s migration policies before the Schengen Committee, asserting that the government’s approach is compliant with European law and has resulted in an 80% decrease in illegal landings over four years. Piantedosi characterized Spain’s recent actions as a “retaliatory logic” that undermines European solidarity. Following these developments, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri criticized the Italian political response to the Ceuta crisis, suggesting a “wrong attitude” toward the Spanish government is now having negative consequences for Italy. Gualtieri expressed concern over a perceived lack of solidarity and noted that Spain’s decision to decline Italian asylum seekers marks a shift in stance. He also criticized the new EU Asylum and Migration Pact for failing to adequately replace the Dublin Regulation. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Roberto Gualtieri criticizes response to Ceuta migration crisis Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri criticized the political handling of the Ceuta crisis and the new EU migration pact, noting that recent diplomatic tensions and policy shifts are impacting Italy. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/roberto-gualtieri-criticizes-response-to-ceuta-migration-crisis ### 2026-08-13: Piantedosi defends Italy’s migration policies and Ceuta response Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi defended the government’s migration policies and Ceuta response before the Schengen Committee, rejecting claims of political propaganda. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matteo-piantedosi-defends-government-actions-regarding-ceuta --- Cite as: Italy-Spain migration policy tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italy-spain-migration-policy-tensions