Key facts
- Spain is facing renewed territorial claims from Morocco over its North African exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
- A recent surge of tens of thousands of migrants into these cities has heightened Spain's vulnerability.
- U.S. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has raised questions about the status of Ceuta and Melilla, suggesting they are in Moroccan territory.
- Israel's Ambassador to the U.N. challenged Spain's colonial enclaves in Africa.
- Spanish officials have publicly declared that the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla is not negotiable.
Spain is experiencing heightened concerns over the territorial integrity of its North African exclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, following a significant surge in migrant arrivals and renewed claims from Morocco. The ease with which tens of thousands of migrants breached the borders has amplified fears of hybrid attacks and a sense of vulnerability.
Morocco, reportedly buoyed by an improving relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, is increasingly vocal in its assertions that Ceuta and Melilla are occupied territories. This stance is being amplified in Morocco's state-aligned press. The situation has become more alarming for Madrid as these claims are no longer solely emanating from Rabat. A report in the U.S. Congress and statements from Israel's Ambassador to the U.N. have also raised questions about Spain's centuries-old control over these cities.
In response, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has publicly stated that "Ceuta and Melilla are not to be touched" and that "Spanish territorial integrity and sovereignty are not up for debate." However, these declarations have done little to quell domestic concerns about Morocco potentially escalating pressure, drawing parallels to Morocco's 1975 "Green March" that led to the takeover of Spanish Sahara.
Former Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo emphasized the need for Spain to demonstrate that its control over the cities is non-negotiable, drawing a comparison to British control over Gibraltar. He stressed the importance of maintaining friendly relations with Morocco while clearly defining red lines.
Ceuta and Melilla have been under Spanish rule since 1668 and 1497, respectively, and are considered integral parts of Spain and the European Union. Morocco, however, has consistently claimed sovereignty since its independence in 1956, characterizing them as "colonies."
U.S. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, a member of the Committee on Appropriations, has previously stated that "Ceuta and Melilla are in Moroccan territory" and questioned their status as part of Spain. He noted that while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has opposed certain U.S. foreign policy actions, Rabat has been a steadfast ally. A congressional report submitted by Díaz-Balart also highlighted Morocco's longstanding claim and supported "diplomatic engagement" on the future status of the cities.
Díaz-Balart later clarified that the report was not intended to signal a major shift but rather to encourage dialogue. However, his willingness to platform Rabat's claims reflects the strengthening ties between Morocco and the U.S. since 2020, when Trump recognized Morocco's claim to Western Sahara in exchange for normalization with Israel. Trump reaffirmed this recognition recently.
Adding to Spain's concerns, Israel's Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, criticized Spain's stance on the Gaza conflict by questioning its presence in Ceuta and Melilla. While an Israeli diplomat later clarified Danon's comments did not represent an official position, former minister García-Margallo attributed these challenges to Prime Minister Sánchez's foreign policy.