Albares sees Italy's extension of controls as a "disgrace" and criticizes the double number of irregular entries.

Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares has strongly criticized the Italian government's decision to extend border controls on travelers arriving from Spain, describing the measure as a "vergüenza" (shame), as well as "absurd and ridiculous." The diplomatic friction arises from Italy's suspension of the free-circulation Schengen agreement for flights from Spain, alongside a fifteen-day extension of border checks linked to migrant arrivals in Ceuta.

In addition to condemning the procedural restrictions, Albares reproached Rome by pointing out that irregular migrant entries are twice as high in Italy compared to Spain. The statements reflect heightened tensions between Madrid and the administration of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding migration management and intra-European border policies.