Italy refuses to lift border controls with Spain over surge in illegal migration

The Italian government has said it has no intention of lifting border controls for third-country nationals arriving from Spain amid the migration crisis in the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta.

According to Report, Rome said it does not accept ultimatums or external interference in matters of national security and border control. The temporary suspension of Schengen rules for third-country nationals arriving from Spain will remain in force at least until August 15.

The Italian government said the decision was based on statements by the Spanish authorities indicating that a new wave of illegal migrants is expected by that date.

The measures do not apply to Spanish citizens and affect only third-country nationals.