Meloni says "safeguard national security" regarding border controls

Italy has temporarily reinstated border controls with Spain, impacting air and sea travel for non-EU nationals, following a significant influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This surge, estimated at 50,000 arrivals, reportedly stemmed from a legal ruling affecting migrant returns and potentially exploited by human traffickers, leading to chaotic scenes and fatalities. The measure, described by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as an extraordinary step to protect national security and prevent repercussions, aims to be temporary and minimize disruption to tourism. Spain has deployed additional security forces and returned many migrants to Morocco, while France is also increasing checks on its border with Spain.