Spain has announced border controls on travellers arriving from Italy, in response to Rome’s decision to impose restrictions on Spanish visitors, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
The Spanish government said the controls will remain in place for at least one month. The dispute follows a surge of tens of thousands of migrants into Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta from Morocco last month.
More than 80 migrants died, including several who drowned or were killed in a stampede while attempting to cross a breakwater barrier.
Earlier, Italy had temporarily suspended open-border travel with Spain. The decision affects flights and maritime transport between the two countries and temporarily halts Spain’s participation in Italy’s implementation of the Schengen border-free travel arrangements.