Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Italy has decided to extend temporary border controls with Spain by seven days, aligning them with the expiration of the Spanish measures, following discussions between Rome and Madrid. Sources at Palazzo Chigi announced this. The respective interior ministers will work over the next week to "jointly evaluate" alternative cooperation measures, they added.
On Wednesday, September 30, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi had already decided to extend checks at air and sea borders for another 15 days, after consulting with the Committee for Analysis of Immigration and Border Security.
Madrid responded promptly, extending controls at internal borders, ports, and airports for travelers arriving from Italy.
The Italian government's decision was based on the situation in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta and, in particular, the persistence of previously identified critical issues. The objective was to strengthen the protection of Europe's borders, including to ensure national security, as well as prevent and counter potential terrorist threats.
The Spanish government, however, reported El Pais, had justified the measure with "the persistent pressure of irregular migration" on Italy.
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