Italy BOOSTS border controls and suspends Schengen zone amid G7 summit security fears
ITALY has suspended the Schengen agreement until the end of the month, citing concerns that the forthcoming G7 summit in Sicily could be targeted by "antagonist" groups.
Italy has boosted border controls and suspended the Schengen agreement ahead of G7
The Ministry of Interior said in a statement it was taking the "exceptional measure" to block terrorist cells from potentially entering the country during the talks, which take place in Taormina, Sicily on May 26 and 27.
Borders, ports and airports will introduce tighter controls, the ministry said, while security will be strengthened in areas outside of the city that are hosting seven heads of state from the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Passport checks will be reintroduced for flghts and ferries entering the country from other Schengen nations for one month, according to Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano
The Ministry of Interior said in a statement it was taking the "exceptional measure" to block terrorist cells from potentially entering the country
It warned of longer queues at border crossings and airports while the suspension was in place, and that those looking to travel in an out of Italy should arrive early to avoid missing their connection.
The statement said officials had agreed to implement "any necessary measure to ensure public order and security, including any possible disruption".
Farage bashes freedom of movement in Schengen rant
Clashes broke out during the last G7 summit
The measures will ensure "high standards of control through a meticulous joint patrol activity in border areas, with targeted and rigorous controls."
The Schengen zone permits travel between 26 European countries without the need for internal border checks.
But in the wake of the immigration crisis and the heightened risk of terrorism, several nations have closed their borders or reintroduced checks on a temporary basis in defiance of the treaty.
The G7 will meet in Taormina on May 26 and 27
Last week Sweden announced it was introducing stricter border controls despite Brussels ordering European countries to drop internal checks within the next six months.
Both Denmark and Norway have in the past said the borders would remain until the bloc regains control over the external borders.