Italy has announced the temporary closure of one of its border crossings with Spain following the events in Ceuta. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed the decision, explaining that it aimed to strengthen the protection of Italian citizens and the country's external borders.European UnionIn a message posted on the social network X, the Italian Foreign Minister described the measure as "inevitable" and "necessary," stating that the situation demanded an immediate response. According to him, the temporary suspension of this border crossing is in accordance with the provisions of European treaties that allow, in certain exceptional circumstances, the reintroduction of border controls.
Brussels claims to have found no crossings towards the European continent.
A few hours after this announcement, a senior European Union official indicated that no migratory movements had been observed between Ceuta and the European continent. European authorities reiterate that Ceuta and Melilla, the two Spanish enclaves located in North Africa, have a special border regime. Anyone wishing to reach the rest of the Schengen Area from these territories must undergo additional checks, which limits direct crossings to continental Europe. According to BrusselsNo migratory flows from Ceuta to the European continent were recorded during the day.
This decision comes amid a context of high tension.
The Italian announcement comes as images of thousands of migrants converging on Ceuta have provoked strong political reactions in Europe and abroad. The pressure exerted on this Spanish enclave has reignited debates on the management of the European Union's external borders and the control mechanisms provided for by the Schengen Area. Faced with this situation, Rome has chosen to activate a temporary measure to strengthen surveillance of its border with the EU.Spainwhile emphasizing the exceptional nature of this decision.
The controls may change depending on the situation.
At this stage, the Italian authorities have not specified the duration of this temporary closure. Its continuation will depend on the evolution of the migration situation and the assessments carried out by national and European authorities. For its part, the European Union continues to assert that no migrant crossings from Ceuta to the European continent have been observed so far, despite concerns raised by the events in the Spanish enclave.
