Italy and Spain to end border checks, easing tensions after Ceuta migrant row

Published on 22/10/2026 - 11:24 GMT+2

Italy and Spain have agreed to permanently lift temporary border checks, ending the suspension of Schengen rules between the two countries.

The decision follows a phone call between interior ministers Matteo Piantedosi and Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Last week, Prime Ministers Giorgia Meloni and Pedro Sánchez signalled their intention to end the checks on the sidelines of the European Council.

In identical statements, the two governments said the decision followed a careful assessment of the situation and that the current suspensions would not be extended.

The move will be accompanied by increased information-sharing to ensure security across the Schengen area, according to Spanish and Italian interior ministry sources.

The announcement puts an end to a political saga that had triggered unprecedented politival tensions between Madrid and Rome, after Meloni announced immediate checks following the massive border breach in Spain's autonomous city of Ceuta in July.

More than 70,000 people crossed illegally into the enclave from Morocco.

On 1 August, Rome temporarily reintroduced border checks with Spain, suspending Schengen rules and screening travellers at ports and airports. The Italian Interior Ministry said the targeted checks focused mainly on non-EU nationals to strengthen border security and prevent potential terrorist threats.

Italy and Spain do not share a land border, while Ceuta lies outside the Schengen area, meaning free movement rules do not apply there.

The move sparked diplomatic tensions with Madrid. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called it “absurd” and “a disgrace”. A week later, Spain introduced reciprocal checks on travellers arriving from Italy.

An agreement between the two interior ministers, alongside alternative cooperation measures, will allow the bilateral checks to be phased out.