Spain-Morocco Trade Deal Sparks Debate Over Melilla Customs Framework

Sunday 05 January 2025 - 07:33

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain-Morocco Trade Deal Sparks Debate Over Melilla Customs Framework

Spanish authorities have announced significant progress in negotiations with Morocco regarding customs operations at Ceuta and Melilla, marking a crucial shift in bilateral trade relations. The development comes as both nations work to establish a modernized customs framework, though the initiative has met with mixed reactions from local stakeholders.

Under the proposed framework, Morocco would gain the ability to export fruits, vegetables, fish, and aggregates to Melilla. However, this arrangement has drawn criticism from local officials and business leaders who argue it creates an imbalanced trading relationship.

Juan José Imbroda, President of Melilla, has voiced strong concerns about the deal's implications for local commerce and sovereignty. "Melilla merchants would not be able to sell their imported products to Morocco, only products manufactured in Melilla - that is, none," he explained, highlighting the city's lack of manufacturing facilities. Imbroda plans to pursue both parliamentary and judicial actions to protect the city's economic interests.

Spanish government representatives have defended the initiative, emphasizing its progressive nature. Sabrina Moh, the Spanish government delegate in Melilla, stressed that "The customs operation now is not like what we had before in 2018. We are talking about 21st-century customs operations between two countries, a European country and a third country."

In Ceuta, where the situation differs due to its lack of previous commercial customs infrastructure, government delegate Cristina Pérez has called for patience. She emphasized the complex logistical challenges involved and highlighted "the excellent working environment with the neighboring country."

The business community has expressed mixed reactions. Enrique Alcoba, president of the Melilla Business Confederation (CEME), emphasized the need for reciprocity in trade arrangements. "What cannot be is that Morocco can bring its products and Melilla nothing," he stated. "To be in this situation, it is better that the border is closed in both directions."

Opposition voices, particularly from the Vox party, have raised additional concerns. José Miguel Tasende, Vox's leader in Melilla, suggested that Morocco's intentions might be to "wear down the patience of Melilla businessmen, introduce more uncertainty in our economy and end up suffocating local trade."

The Spanish Foreign Ministry maintains direct oversight of the negotiations, indicating their strategic importance. While specific details remain under diplomatic consideration, officials emphasize that the implementation will proceed gradually until full normalization is achieved.

The Popular Party (PP) has requested an extraordinary plenary session through the Permanent Deputation for Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares to explain the negotiations regarding the reopening of the Melilla customs.

Government representatives continue to defend the initiative as a necessary step toward establishing sustainable bilateral trade relations. "We have been working since 2018 to reopen commercial customs progressively," Moh stated, emphasizing the long-term nature of the initiative and the commitment to achieving optimal results through a careful, phased approach.

The implementation timeline remains under discussion as both nations work to establish appropriate control mechanisms and infrastructure, demonstrating their shared commitment to developing effective trade arrangements that benefit the entire region.