The commissioner of European Union Migration, Magnus Brunner, assured this Saturday that the controls at internal borders adopted by Spain and Italy after the migration crisis in Ceuta are temporary.
Brunner explained that he has contacted the Spanish Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, to address the situation generated after the latest border movements in the Schengen area.
“Today I have contacted the Interior ministers of both Spain and Italy. Both have confirmed that the controls at the internal borders are temporary,” the European commissioner stated through social media.
The EU tries to contain the impact on Schengen
Brunner's intervention seeks to ease the tension surrounding a particularly sensitive measure within the European Union: the reintroduction of controls at internal borders, a decision that affects the normal functioning of the Schengen area.
The Austrian commissioner emphasized that trust among member states is a central element to preserve free movement. “Trust among member states is our most valuable asset,” he noted, after highlighting the progress made by the EU in the fight against irregular immigration.
Spain assures that there will be no lasting effects
Brunner also stated that the Spanish authorities have conveyed to him that the events in Ceuta will not have lasting repercussions in the Schengen area.
This message is relevant because Spain has defended the temporary and proportionate nature of the controls, linked to the evolution of migration pressure and the need to preserve public order and internal security. Brussels, for its part, closely monitors any measures that alter internal circulation among member states.
Italy could soon lift the controls
The European commissioner added that there are indications from Italy that the controls could be lifted soon. The statement points to a possible de-escalation if Rome considers that the situation has been contained and that it is not necessary to maintain restrictions on its internal connections.
The final decision will depend on each state, although within the European framework, controls at internal borders must be exceptional, time-limited, and justified by a specific threat to public order or internal security.
The Ceuta crisis reaches Brussels
The migration crisis in Ceuta has ended up acquiring a European dimension due to its impact on Schengen and the reaction of two member states. Spain and Italy have activated temporary controls in a context of concern over migration pressure and the networks of cross-border crime linked to irregular immigration.
The European Commission is now trying to ensure that these measures do not become a permanent response nor open a dynamic of prolonged restrictions within the common space of free movement.
An institutional message of calm
Brunner's message has a double reading. On one hand, it confirms that Brussels is monitoring the evolution of the crisis and has asked for direct explanations from Madrid and Rome. On the other hand, it conveys that both governments have assured that the controls will not be maintained longer than necessary.
The key will be in the coming days: if the situation in Ceuta stabilizes and no new developments occur in the migration routes, the EU expects that border controls will be reduced or lifted without leaving a permanent mark on Schengen.