Italy has begun checking Spanish citizens entering its territory, citing the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Spain responded by imposing similar checks on Italian citizens, escalating the diplomatic row. The move follows Spain's announcement earlier today that it would begin transferring migrants into Europe, which Italy rejected as an ultimatum.
Italy has begun checking Spanish citizens entering its territory, and Spain has responded with reciprocal checks on Italian citizens, according to reports. The moves mark the latest escalation in the diplomatic row between the two EU members over the migrant crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
The new border checks follow Spain's announcement earlier today that it would begin transferring migrants from its territory into the European interior, as The Zioneer reported. Italy rejected that announcement as an 'ultimatum' and refused to comply. The reciprocal checks represent a further hardening of positions.
The broader crisis stems from the influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, overwhelming local infrastructure. In response, Italy had previously ordered the closure of sea and air borders with Spain and suspended its Schengen obligations, as The Zioneer reported. France also reinforced its land borders with Spain. The situation continues to strain EU unity.
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