Italy and Spain end temporary reciprocal border checks

Italy and Spain agreed on October 22 to end temporary reciprocal checks on travel between the two countries, restoring normal Schengen free-movement arrangements and adding security information-sharing measures after months of tensions linked to migrant arrivals in Ceuta. The decision followed a telephone conversation between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The two governments said the existing suspensions would not be extended after an assessment of the situation, and that the countries would strengthen information exchange to support security across the Schengen area. Italy introduced checks on arrivals from Spain in August, after a large number of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on Morocco’s northern coast, in late July. Spain responded with reciprocal checks on travellers arriving from Italy. The measures affected air and maritime routes; the countries do not share a land border. Italy’s last extension, agreed on October 16, covered seven days, while Spain’s controls expired on October 22. The temporary checks had been extended several times. Their removal ends the restrictions...