Giorgia Meloni says Spanish authorities "expected a new wave of migration" in border dispute

After a deadly mass crossing from Morocco into Spain’s North African enclave Ceuta, Italy suspended Schengen visa-free entry for travelers arriving from Spain, citing irregular migration risks. Spain denounced the move and threatened countermeasures, then imposed reciprocal checks when Rome refused to back down. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office said Italy would not accept ultimatums on border security, adding that Spanish authorities had anticipated another surge toward Ceuta and that Italy would revisit its decision only once security concerns and migration threats had cleared. The dispute underscores tension among EU allies over migration policy. Thousands remain in Ceuta, and reported death tolls vary by source.