Spain and Italy Agree to End Mutual Border Checks at Ports and Airports

Madrid, October 22 (KUNA) -- Spain and Italy agreed today, Thursday, to lift mutual border controls at airports and ports that Rome had imposed in late July amid the migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, before Madrid responded with similar measures. Spanish state television quoted sources in the Spanish Ministry of the Interior as saying the agreement followed a phone call between Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi. The Spanish Interior Ministry said in a statement that the decision not to extend the measures was taken “after a careful analysis of the situation,” adding that it would be accompanied by “enhanced information exchange to ensure full security in the Schengen area, which allows free movement among member states.” Italy had imposed controls at airports and ports on travelers arriving from Spain on July 31, following a mass crossing of more than 70,000 migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, describing the move as “an exceptional measure aimed at protecting national security and preventing the potential repercussions of the migration crisis.” In response, Spain announced on August 8 the imposition of the same restrictions on arrivals from Italy, citing “the ongoing pressure of irregular migration facing Italy.” Both countries had periodically extended the application of these restrictions, keeping the measures in force until an agreement was reached today to terminate them. (End) H.N.D./N.B.Sh.