Spain introduced temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Italy on Saturday, escalating a dispute between the two European Union partners over migration. The checks apply to people arriving by air and sea following Italy's decision to impose similar controls on travellers from Spain earlier.
The row stems from a recent surge of more than 70,000 migrants who crossed into Spain's Ceuta enclave from Morocco, most of whom subsequently returned. Italy then adopted its own border measures, prompting Spain to respond in kind.
Both countries have defended their actions, reflecting contrasting approaches to border regulation and migrant management within the EU. The dispute underscores the growing tensions between the two governments over how to handle irregular migration, a sensitive issue for both nations.
The temporary checks mark an unusual step between EU member states, which normally allow free movement under the Schengen Agreement. Neither government has indicated how long the measures will remain in place, but the escalation signals deepening friction over migration policy within the bloc.