Spain imposes border checks on Italy over migrant dispute

Spain on Saturday introduced temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, escalating a dispute between the EU partners over migration. The controls apply at the French-Spanish land border and key airports, requiring documents from Italian citizens. Spain said the move was a response to Italy’s own border checks on arrivals from France, which were imposed after Italy accused France of failing to control migrant flows.

The dispute stems from a surge in migration through Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, where over 70,000 people entered from Morocco in recent months, many later returning. Italy, facing its own record arrivals from North Africa, has criticised France for allowing migrants to travel freely across borders. Spain’s new checks are valid for 10 days but can be extended. The European Commission has urged member states to avoid unilateral measures, warning they could undermine the Schengen free-movement zone.

EU officials say Spain’s move risks triggering a domino effect, with other countries imposing similar controls. France has already warned it may respond if Spain does not reverse the decision. Analysts note the spat reflects deeper tensions over the EU’s asylum system, which remains paralysed after years of failed reform attempts.

The checks come ahead of a crucial EU summit next week, where migration is expected to dominate discussions. Spain insists the measures are temporary and proportionate, but critics argue they undermine trust in Schengen. With populist parties gaining ground across Europe, migration disputes are likely to intensify, raising questions over the bloc’s long-term cohesion.