Spain: "We will transfer minors from Ceuta to Europe within weeks," sharp diplomatic conflict with Italy continues

Spain's Minister for Youth, Sira Rego, announced on Friday during a visit to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa that she hopes to begin within weeks the transfer of migrant minors who broke into the city from Morocco to mainland Spain. So far, 1,342 minors have been registered.

"We are prioritizing girls, as well as boys and girls under the age of 13," Minister Rego clarified.

Escalation with Italy: border control on flights and ships

The events in Ceuta, where a mass breach of about 72,000 people towards the Spanish enclave was recorded on July 30, led to a broad diplomatic shock in Western Europe. In response to the steps taken by Rome following the crisis, the Spanish government announced that it would impose border controls on flights and ships arriving from Italy starting from midnight between Friday and Saturday until September 7. As part of Spain's new restrictions, passport, citizenship, and visa checks will be carried out for passengers arriving from Italy. In Madrid, they clarified that the measures will remain in effect as long as Italy continues to apply its own restrictions on those arriving from Spain.

Rome returns fire: we will not surrender to an ultimatum

Previously, Spain issued an ultimatum and adopted reciprocal measures after Italy refused to cancel the border control it had imposed last week. In response to the threats from Madrid, the Italian government clarified that it would not surrender to ultimatums or dictates from Spain, and announced that it would keep border controls on those arriving from Spain until at least August 15. In an official statement from the Italian government, it was reported that Rome will reconsider its decision only when it is clear beyond any doubt that there are no security risks, terror threats, or new waves of illegal migration towards the rest of Europe's territories.