Italy's call to suspend Schengen travel with Spain has intensified political tensions following a surge in migrant crossings into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he supported closing the Schengen area's borders with Spain, arguing that "irregular and uncontrolled immigration" posed a national security risk. He also criticised Madrid's earlier decision to grant legal status to more than 500,000 undocumented migrants, claiming it could encourage human trafficking.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed the proposal, saying Rome was prepared to take "extraordinary measures" to protect Italy's borders, including suspending Schengen arrangements with Spain.
Spain rejected the remarks, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares summoning the Italian ambassador and describing Tajani's comments as "inappropriate".
The diplomatic row follows a sharp increase in irregular migrants reaching Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday. Hundreds swam around the border or used inflatable devices to reach Tarajal beach, overwhelming Spanish border officers. Nine people reportedly died during the crossings.
Madrid has since deployed the army to reinforce security after local authorities warned they were struggling to cope with the influx. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit Ceuta as pressure mounts on the government.
The European Commission has offered operational support through Frontex, while European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said protecting the EU's external borders remains a key priority.
For travellers, however, there is currently no immediate impact. Italy's proposal has not been adopted, meaning travel between Spain and other Schengen countries continues as normal without changes to border rules or entry requirements. If Schengen rules were temporarily suspended in future, travellers could face additional passport checks and longer queues, but no such measures have been announced.
Spain and Morocco have also agreed to accelerate the return of irregular migrants, although neither side has released details of how the process will work.