Italy has decided to extend the suspension of the European Union's border-free arrangement with Spain for another 15 days. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

The decision was taken due to "the current situation in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta and, in particular, on the persistence of the critical issues already identified," the ministry said.

The move – made in the immediate aftermath of a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta in late July – remains a source of tension between Rome and Madrid.

Separately, Poland also extended its border controls with Germany and Lithuania by six months until 30 March, saying it was needed to curb irregular migration.

Since the reintroduction of border controls, entry into the country has been denied to nearly 1,300 people at the Lithuanian border and nearly 1,200 at the German border, Reuters reported.

Italy's decision raises a broader question about the functioning of the Schengen area – the European Union's border-free space. Under the Schengen Agreement, member states normally do not carry out controls at internal borders, but in exceptional cases they have the right to temporarily reintroduce them.

Ceuta is a Spanish exclave on the coast of Morocco, forming the European Union's border on the African continent. The region has long been a focal point of migration pressure.

In late July, when a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta began, relations between Spain and Morocco became strained. It was then that Italy decided to suspend the EU's border-free arrangement with Spain.

The current extension is a continuation of that decision and may further deepen disagreements between Rome and Madrid.

Poland's decision to extend border controls also comes amid a tightening of migration policy in Europe. Warsaw will maintain controls at its borders with Germany and Lithuania until 30 March.

According to Reuters, since the reintroduction of controls, nearly 1,300 people have been denied entry at the Lithuanian border and nearly 1,200 at the German border.

These figures show how actively Poland's border measures are being applied. Warsaw considers these measures necessary to curb irregular migration.

The practice of temporarily reintroducing border controls within the European Union has become more frequent in recent years. Several member states have restored controls at internal borders, citing migration flows and security concerns.

The latest decisions by Italy and Poland are a continuation of this trend and may reignite debate about the future of the EU's border-free space.

As for the situation in Ceuta, Spanish authorities are taking measures to bring migration pressure in the region under control. However, Italy's decision is becoming an additional pressure factor for Madrid.

Tension between Rome and Madrid casts a shadow over cooperation within the EU, especially on migration policy issues.

Poland's extension of border controls also reflects the complex balance in matters of regional security and managing migration flows.

Thus, the issue of border controls in Europe remains one of the important topics in the EU's internal policy.