Meloni extends the Schengen border closure with Spain

Italy has extended the suspension of the Schengen Agreement, which specifically concerns the reintroduction of border controls at air and sea ports for travellers arriving from Spain. The measure, which has today been extended for a further fifteen days, was introduced on 1 August following the migration crisis in Ceuta. 

The notice by which the government is informing the EU of the extension, for a further 15 days, is currently being served, as explained by the Ministry of the Interior. “The decision was taken, in line with the analysis carried out by the Committee on Immigration and Border Security, given the continued existence of the factors that had formed the basis for their reintroduction on 1 August, whilst also taking into account the initiatives already launched by Spain, together with the European Union, to ensure that the situation in that area can begin to return to normal,” the Ministry states. The assessments underlying the extension measure were communicated by the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, to his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, during a constructive telephone conversation.