---
title: "Italy Calls for Schengen Action as Half of Ceuta Migrants Return"
date: 2026-08-01T05:02:12.243+00:00
updated: 2026-08-01T05:02:12.243+00:00
topics: ["International", "National", "EU"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-08-01/italy-calls-schengen-action-ceuta-migrants-return
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Italy Calls for Schengen Action as Half of Ceuta Migrants Return

## In brief

- Thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday.
- Italy has called for Spain to face exceptional Schengen restrictions due to the influx.
- Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne confirmed that half of the migrants have since returned to Morocco.

Thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on Thursday, 30 July, prompting international reactions and calls for stricter border controls.

Following the significant influx, Italy has urged for exceptional Schengen restrictions to be imposed on Spain. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that her government is considering extraordinary border-control measures in response to the situation.

Maltese Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne confirmed that, after discussions with Spain, approximately half of the migrants who crossed into Ceuta have since returned to Morocco. The European Union is actively working to manage this new migrant crisis.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Both independent outlets reported on the migrant influx into Ceuta and the international reactions, including Malta's involvement, without notable framing differences.

## Sources (2)

- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/half-ceuta-migrants-return-morocco-fearne-says-talks-spain.1132176)
- [The Maltese Herald](https://themalteseherald.com/2026/07/31/italy-calls-for-spain-to-be-suspended-from-schengen-after-thousands-of-moroccans-breach-the-border-of-cueta/)

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