Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | International Relations
Why in News?
Italy recently said that it was suspending the EU’s border-free Schengen arrangements with Spain for 1 month in response to a mass influx of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco.
The Incidence
- More than 50,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory of Ceuta from neighbouring Morocco within a short period, creating one of Europe's most severe migration crises in recent years.
- In response, Italy announced a 1-month suspension of unrestricted travel arrangements with Spain.
- The measure mainly affects non-EU nationals arriving from Spain by air or sea, while citizens of Spain and other European Union countries remain largely unaffected.
- Italy has also coordinated with France to strengthen border checks.
Importance of Ceuta
- Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa.
- Along with Melilla, it represents one of the European Union's only land borders with Africa.
- Because of its strategic location, Ceuta has frequently become a focal point for migration-related disputes between Europe and North Africa.
Schengen Agreement
- The Schengen Area is a system that allows passport-free movement across most European countries.
- However, member states are permitted to reintroduce temporary border controls when they consider national security or public safety to be at risk.
Reference
The Hindu | Italy suspends EU Schengen free-travel pact
