Citing the Italian Interior Ministry, the Italian news agency Ansa reported that Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen Agreement and closed its sea and air borders with Spain. This unprecedented measure comes in response to the migrant crisis unfolding in the Spanish North African exclave of Ceuta.
The decision was formally confirmed on Friday morning during a meeting at the Ministry of Interior, led by Minister Matteo Piantedosi. The basis for this action were assessments made by the Italian Committee for Migration Analysis and Border Security.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her government had already signaled their political support for the move on Thursday evening. Tens of thousands of migrants had previously arrived in Ceuta; however, Spanish authorities have indicated that a significant portion of these arrivals has since been returned to Morocco.
