Diplomatic tensions between Italy and Spain have increased as Italian leaders declare their willingness to take exceptional measures.
On July 30, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni called for the suspension of Spain from the Schengen area of the European Union. This statement was made after thousands of immigrants flooded into Ceuta, a foreign territory of Spain bordering Morocco.
The Italian government is gathering competent authorities and is ready to act, including suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain.
Most immigrants, including children, had to swim to Ceuta. The Spanish government delegation in the area confirmed to AFP that at least 9 people had died trying to reach by that route.
Earlier in the day, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed a similar view. Mr. Antonio Tajani wrote on X that he supports the closure of the Schengen area to Spain, and believes that illegal and uncontrolled immigration poses a danger to national security.
In response, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares accused Mr. Antonio Tajani of turning immigration into a weapon for political purposes. Mr. Jose Luis Albares said that such statements are inappropriate from a partner and friendly country, where Spain expects European solidarity rather than partisan demagoguery.
The Schengen area is currently an open border system of 29 European countries that have officially abolished control at common borders.
