On July 31, 2026, Finland expressed support for Italy's proposal to temporarily close the Schengen Area's internal borders with Spain, according to reports. The move comes amid ongoing tensions over migrant arrivals in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which borders Morocco.
Finnish officials stated that the proposal is a legitimate measure to address the migration pressure on the EU's external borders. However, the European Commission has not yet commented on the proposal, and no formal decision has been made.
Italy's proposal, which was first floated earlier this week, argues that Spain has failed to adequately control its southern border, leading to a surge in irregular migration. The Schengen Borders Code allows for temporary border reintroduction in cases of serious threats to public policy or internal security, but such measures are typically limited to six months.
Spain has rejected the criticism, insisting that it is managing the situation in Ceuta and calling for EU solidarity. The European Commission has urged member states to find a common solution, emphasizing the need to uphold the principle of free movement while addressing security concerns.
