Europe's Passport Crisis Worsens: Spanish Threat Over Schengen Suspension

Spain has issued an ultimatum to Italy to remove border checks on flights and ferries from Spain by Sunday, or face reciprocal measures. Meloni's office rejected the demand, saying checks will remain at least until August 15 due to fears of a new migration wave and terror risks. Spain claims 48,000 migrants have already been returned to Morocco, and that Italy's arguments are devoid of substance.

Spain has issued an ultimatum to Italy to completely remove border checks on flights and ferries from Spain by Sunday, August 9. In an official statement, it said that if Italy does not rectify the situation, Spain will be forced to adopt proportional measures, including imposing reciprocal and stricter border controls on flights and ships from Italy. Spain claims that Italy's arguments are 'devoid of factual substance', as about 48,000 migrants who crossed the border to Ceuta have already been returned to Morocco, and none of them reached mainland Europe or Schengen areas. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office responded with a flat refusal: 'Italy does not accept ultimatums or dictates from foreign countries regarding national security and border control.' Rome stressed that checks at airports and ports, focused mainly on non-EU citizens, will remain in effect at least until August 15. The Italians reasoned that social media is rife with calls for a second mass rush on the Ceuta border on August 15, and that restrictions will only be lifted when the fear of a new migration wave and terror risks is removed. The liberal axis: Spain insists it is acting in accordance with human rights laws and international conventions, and accuses Italy of political-populist exploitation of the crisis. As of now, airlines continue to operate flights as usual, but passengers from Spain are subjected to random and lengthy document checks. If Spain carries out its threats, the aviation and tourism market of Southern Europe could descend into significant chaos.