Albares says Ceuta customs operate normally amid strong Spain-Morocco ties

Monday 23 February 2026 - 13:52

By: Sahili Aya

Albares says Ceuta customs operate normally amid strong Spain-Morocco ties

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has affirmed that the customs office in Ceuta is operating normally, dismissing recurring doubts about its functionality and highlighting what he described as an exceptionally strong phase in relations between Spain and Morocco.

In a recent media interview, Albares stated that both Ceuta and Melilla customs facilities are open and functioning without disruption. He underscored that the commercial customs post in Ceuta represents a historic development, noting that it is the first of its kind in the city’s history. According to the minister, its current operation reflects a broader climate of constructive cooperation between Madrid and Rabat.

Albares described bilateral relations with Morocco as being at their most robust level to date. He pointed to close coordination in police and judicial matters, particularly in the management of irregular migration flows. This cooperation, he said, has enabled both countries to maintain structured migration control while strengthening mutual trust.

On the economic front, the minister emphasized the scale of commercial exchanges between the two neighbors. Bilateral trade has reached approximately €21 billion, positioning the partnership among the most significant economic relationships for Spain. Cultural ties were also highlighted, including the presence of an extensive network of Cervantes Institutes and expanding educational collaboration.

Looking ahead, Albares recalled that Spain, Morocco and Portugal are set to jointly host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event he framed as symbolic of regional understanding and shared ambition.

European security and defense

Beyond bilateral matters, Albares addressed broader European security challenges. He argued that the European Union cannot rely on 27 separate national armies to meet all security demands, especially at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. In his view, strengthening a European defense pillar within NATO would reinforce both the alliance and the EU’s strategic autonomy.

Regarding nuclear deterrence, he advocated examining existing capabilities while maintaining that global efforts should ultimately prioritize disarmament over rearmament.

Ukraine, Venezuela and The United States

On the war in Ukraine, Albares expressed skepticism about the Kremlin’s willingness to pursue a genuine ceasefire, while acknowledging that diplomatic initiatives remain important. He stressed that any sustainable peace must be grounded in international law.

Turning to Venezuela, he indicated that the EU should respond constructively to political developments such as proposed amnesty measures. Spain, he said, intends to formally request the lifting of individual sanctions on Vice President Delcy Rodríguez if democratic progress continues.

In relations with the United States, Albares confirmed recent discussions with the U.S. ambassador in Madrid and characterized transatlantic ties as mutually beneficial. He also reiterated Spain’s support for the two-state solution in the Middle East, explaining its reluctance to participate in diplomatic formats that do not include the Palestinian Authority.

Gibraltar and regional cooperation

Finally, Albares referred to ongoing negotiations over a future agreement concerning Gibraltar. He stated that a draft legal text aimed at redefining cross-border arrangements would soon be made public, adding that Spain would retain authority over matters related to the entry of military personnel and materials into the customs union and the Schengen area.

For Madrid, the combined diplomatic, economic and security agenda underscores what the government considers a period of intensified international engagement, anchored by stable relations with its southern neighbor.