Last hour of immigrants entering Ceuta, live: Italy and Denmark reject "uncontrolled immigration" and call for deportation centers

Spain Restores Border Controls with Italy Amid Migrant Crisis, Sparks EU Tensions On August 10, 2026, Spain’s government announced the reinstatement of border controls with Italy following the Italian government's refusal to lift restrictions imposed after a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. The decision came after days of escalating tensions between the two nations over migration policy, with Spain accusing Italy of using the issue for political gain and undermining the Schengen Agreement, which allows free movement within much of Europe. The situation began on July 29, when approximately 70,000 migrants, primarily from Morocco, entered Ceuta illegally. The entry sparked outrage across Spain and led to calls for stricter border measures. In response, Italy suspended Schengen travel rights for Spanish citizens, citing concerns over security and the need to manage the migrant flow. This move was met with sharp criticism from Spain, which argued that the decision lacked legal basis and was politically motivated. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the Italian action, calling it an attack on European solidarity and the principles of open borders. He warned that if Italy did not reverse its stance by the end of the weekend, Spain would take further steps to protect its citizens. The threat was soon realized, as Spain decided to restore border checks at airports and ports connecting with Italy, starting at midnight on August 9. Under the new measures, police randomly check the documents of up to 10 percent of passengers arriving from Italy. These checks have been carried out at major airports such as Barcelona and Madrid, with reports indicating that the process has been relatively lenient. According to official figures, around 199 travelers were checked during the first day of the operation. The Spanish Ministry of Interior justified the measure by citing increased pressure on the Mediterranean route affecting Italy and the potential risks posed by organized crime linked to illegal immigration. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had initially supported the suspension of Schengen access for Spanish citizens, refused to backtrack. She defended the decision as necessary to safeguard national security and emphasized that the migrant influx posed a real threat. However, critics argue that Italy’s approach lacks proportionality and has created unnecessary friction within the EU. The Italian opposition has accused Meloni of manufacturing a diplomatic crisis without foundation, while some analysts suggest that the move is more about political positioning ahead of upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, a member of the Social Democrats, has aligned herself with Meloni’s hardline stance on migration. Despite being a traditional ally of Spain, Frederiksen has publicly criticized Sánchez for his handling of the migrant crisis, particularly regarding financial aid from the European Union. Her position reflects a broader shift in European politics toward tighter border controls and a stronger emphasis on national sovereignty. In a joint statement issued alongside Meloni, Frederiksen reiterated support for strict immigration policies and called for the protection of European cultural values, including a Christian heritage. She framed the migrant crisis as a challenge to societal stability, warning against the negative impacts of uncontrolled immigration on public safety and welfare. This alignment with Meloni highlights growing ideological divides among European leaders, especially concerning how to address the ongoing migration crisis. The European Commission has expressed concern over the recent developments, urging both sides to find a resolution through dialogue rather than confrontation. Commissioner Magnus Brunner noted that there are signs that Italy might lift the restrictions on Spanish travelers soon, though this remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Spain continues to monitor the situation closely, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Schengen system. As the standoff continues, the implications extend beyond immediate border management. The dispute raises questions about the future of European integration and the role of national governments in shaping common policies. With millions of tourists and business travelers affected by the current arrangements, the impact on cross-border relations could be long-lasting. For now, however, the focus remains on resolving the immediate crisis and restoring trust between the two neighboring countries.