The Spanish Foreign Ministry has asked the Italian ambassador to Madrid for a meeting after new problems between Spain and Italy over migration. Italy’s government suggested that Spain should be suspended from the Schengen Area, which is Europe’s travel area without passport checks. This suggestion came after thousands of people tried to cross from Morocco into the Spanish city of Ceuta in North Africa this week.

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, said that he wanted the Schengen borders with Spain to close because recent migrant arrivals are a danger to security. He also connected this to Spain’s plan to give legal papers to many undocumented migrants.

As a result, Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, criticised Italy’s comments, calling them “unacceptable.” Spain has explained that the new arrivals in Ceuta do not qualify for legal status, and the meeting with the Italian ambassador is the next step.