Italy Calls for Spain's Suspension from Schengen as Ceuta Migrant Crisis Escalates

Editorial Team
4 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Rome/Madrid, July 31, 2026 — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for Spain's suspension from the European Union's visa-free Schengen travel zone, escalating tensions between the two countries after tens of thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.

Meloni declared that "Italy will not stand idly by" and warned that Rome is prepared to take "extraordinary measures" to defend its borders, including the "suspension of the Schengen area with Spain".

Published: July 31, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Italy calls for Spain's suspension from Schengen 2026 – infographic showing the Ceuta migrant crisis with over 49,000 crossings in 24 hours, Italy's threat to suspend Schengen, and Spain's diplomatic response. — Italy calls for Spain's suspension from the Schengen Area after tens of thousands of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco

The Ceuta Crisis: What Happened?

More than 49,000 people were estimated to have crossed illegally into Ceuta in a single 24-hour period, according to a Spanish government statement that was later deleted.

At least 19 bodies were discovered in the water.

Aspect	Details
Estimated Crossings	Over 49,000 in 24 hours (July 30)
Reported Deaths	At least 19
Location	Ceuta, Spanish enclave in North Africa
Method	Swimming, inflatable devices, breaching border fence
Border Status	Described as "total collapse" by Civil Guard officers

Spain has deployed the military to Ceuta to reinforce security and restore order. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta on Friday.

Italy's Position: Calls for Schengen Suspension

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

"We are in the process of bringing together the competent bodies and, once these meetings are over, we are ready to act, including through exceptional measures, such as suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain."

Meloni emphasized that protecting borders, stopping human traffickers, and ensuring effective returns "will continue to be this government's course".

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani

Tajani wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"I am in favour of closing the Schengen area with Spain. Irregular and uncontrolled immigration poses a danger to national security."

He accused Spain's decision to grant citizenship to over 500,000 irregular immigrants of being "profoundly wrong" and encouraging human trafficking.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini

Italy's far-right deputy prime minister has gone further, calling for the entire Schengen zone to be suspended altogether.

Spain's Response

Foreign Minister Jose Luis Albares

Albares rejected the accusations, stating such remarks were "improper" and accusing Italy of weaponising immigration for political ends.

"This statement is unworthy of the foreign minister of a partner and friendly country from which we expect European solidarity and not partisan demagoguery."

Spain has summoned the Italian ambassador over the remarks.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez

Sánchez said his government was "fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta" and pledged to work with Moroccan authorities to "restore normality as soon as possible".

Wider European Context

Finland and Austria Join Italy's Call

Country	Position
Finland	Interior Minister Mari Rantanen: "Spain has completely failed to protect the Schengen Area's external border... Countries that do not fulfill their obligation cannot be members of Schengen."
Austria	Chancellor Christian Stocker: Developments in Ceuta are a "clear warning signal" and "have no place" within the EU. He warned that temporary Schengen border closures may be necessary

France

France announced it was enhancing inspections at its border with Spain.

European Commission

The European Commission offered operational support through Frontex. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stressed that protecting the EU's external borders remains "a crucial part of our efforts to fight illegal migration".

Legal Reality: Can Italy Expel Spain from Schengen?

No single EU nation has the authority to remove another from Schengen on its own. Suspension of a member state from the Schengen Area would require a decision by the European Council, not a unilateral action by Italy.

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Detail
Italy's Demand	Suspension of Spain from Schengen
Trigger Event	Mass migrant crossings into Ceuta (49,000+ in 24 hours)
Italy's Justification	Spain's citizenship policy encourages human trafficking
Supporters	Finland, Austria
Opponents	Spain (summoned Italian ambassador)
EU Position	Offered Frontex support; no unilateral expulsion possible
France's Action	Increasing border checks with Spain