Sánchez hits back at Meloni as Spain threatens retaliation

On 7 August 2026, Spain gave Italy until 9 August to end border checks on Spanish travelers, which Italy had imposed after the Ceuta migrant rush, and threatened proportional retaliation. Italy said it would not accept Spanish ultimatums and would not revise its decision until at least 15 August, and Piantedosi said Italy would take stock after that date.

Spain then moved to introduce checks on travelers from Italy, and Sánchez hit back at Meloni. Meloni said Italy had no intention of revisiting its suspension of Schengen for arrivals from Spain.