Spain began border checks on travelers arriving from Italy on August 8 (local time) in the wake of a massive unauthorized influx of migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa.

According to AFP and other news agencies, the Spanish government announced that it is stepping up controls at its border with Italy through random checks until September 7 to protect its citizens from the "persistent pressure of illegal immigration" faced by Italy.

This move serves as a retaliatory measure against Italy for tightening border controls on Spain following the Ceuta crisis.

After 72,000 migrants poured from Morocco into the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta last week, Italy suspended the Schengen Agreement—which guarantees free movement within the European Union (EU)—specifically regarding Spain.

Spain warned on August 7 that it would take "proportionate" measures if Italy did not lift its border restrictions, but Italy immediately rejected the demand, stating it would "not bow to ultimatums."

The Spanish government criticized Italy's actions as being based on "illogical arguments," noting that the measures affect numerous travelers during the peak summer season and create legal uncertainty.

According to Spain and the European Commission, none of the 72,000 migrants who entered Ceuta have crossed the Strait of Gibraltar into continental Europe.

Foreign media have pointed out that the situation is deepening tensions between the two EU and NATO allies.

Politico noted that the ideological clash between the two countries over immigration policy is lengthening waiting times for entry while demonstrating the vulnerability of the European Schengen Area, which was established in 1995.

Previously, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez for implementing policies that grant legal status to undocumented migrants.

However, the Sánchez administration has hit back by arguing that Italy's management of undocumented migrants is far more lax.

Travelers commuting between the two nations are voicing complaints over the inconvenience.

Over the past week, passengers on flights departing from Spanish airports expressed frustration over delayed entry due to police identity checks, and passengers on Italian flights arriving in Spain on August 8 experienced similar disruptions.

As of 2024, 3.2 million Spaniards traveled to Italy, while 5.4 million Italians visited Spain.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)