Politics
A new military report has reignited the debate in Spain over the future of the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The study, authored by Spanish army commander Emilio José Arias Otero for the Center for National Defense Studies (Ceseden), warns that Morocco is stepping up pressure on......
Spain has significantly increased its military presence in the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, deploying additional troops under the framework of "Operation Presence – Surveillance and Deterrence." The move coincides with mounting calls in Morocco to reclaim the territories through legal......
The announcement of a scheduled visit by Spain’s honorary queen, Queen Sofia, to the occupied city of Melilla has sparked diverse reactions among the Moroccan population residing in the city and in the neighboring town of Beni Ensar. The visit, set to take place on Thursday, has reignited tensions......
José Manuel Albares, the minister of foreign affairs, european union and cooperation, addressed the foreign affairs committee in the congress of deputies on May 5, 2025, in Madrid. This appearance, delayed by a week due to a widespread blackout, was intended to discuss the new foreign action plan......
In a strategic diplomatic move, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has ordered the cancellation of military ceremonies intended to commemorate the centenary of the 1925 Alhucemas Landing. This decision underscores Spain's commitment to preserving its diplomatic relations with Morocco. Initial......
Spain views Morocco as a critical ally, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares calling it a “strategic partner of the highest order” during a recent interview with El País. Spain remains firmly supportive of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara region, which has been......
In 2002, Washington proposed to Madrid the return of the Zaffarine Islands and other territories to Morocco, according to newly revealed information. Federico Trillo, Spain's former Minister of Defense (2000-2004, Popular Party), disclosed that the United States had offered to mediate between Spain......
Spanish media outlets are abuzz with speculation and concern over the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Spain’s North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Drawing parallels to Trump’s 2020 recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara, Spanish publications......
Morocco’s dual approach to migration and security sets a benchmark for EU collaboration Morocco has solidified its position as a pivotal partner for the European Union in addressing migration and security challenges, according to a recent report by Italy’s ANSA news agency. The North African......
Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has firmly rejected reports suggesting Morocco is creating obstacles in the reopening of customs offices in Ceuta and Melilla, attributing delays to technical considerations that require further development. Speaking at the inauguration of a new......
The Spanish enclave of Melilla has witnessed its lowest irregular migration numbers in over three decades, recording just 113 arrivals in 2024. This marks a dramatic shift from the previous year's figure of 340 entries, highlighting the effectiveness of enhanced border control measures. The decline......
In a significant development for Mediterranean migration policy, Spain's Secretary of State for Security, Rafael Pérez, has designated Morocco as a "priority partner" in addressing irregular migration challenges. The announcement came during the XXI Meeting of the Spanish-Moroccan......
In a significant development for Mediterranean security, Spanish officials have highlighted the crucial role of Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational crime. Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Ortega Navas, chief of the Guardia Civil command in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, presented......
