Spain ‘not holding talks’ on closing land borders with EU countries

Madrid is not holding any talks with other EU countries over the potential closure of land borders, Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said on Tuesday. The minister was answering a question about reports that France may consider such a move over coronavirus worries.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Sunday did not rule out closing the border with Spain, which is struggling to control a fresh surge of coronavirus cases, Reuters reported. Most of the infections are located in Catalonia, which borders France.

Authorities in Barcelona on Tuesday cut the number of people allowed on the city’s beaches to 32,000 from 38,000. The decision was made after crowds flocked to the sea at the weekend despite advice to stay home to curb a rise in coronavirus infections.