Sánchez rules out Ceuta, Melilla talks with Morocco

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated on Sunday, November 8, that sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla would not be discussed with Morocco. Sánchez described territorial integrity as a red line for his government, emphasizing that the status of the two cities has never been a subject of debate in bilateral relations.

Despite ruling out sovereignty talks, Sánchez defended cooperation with Rabat, citing shared economic, cultural, and security interests, especially in controlling irregular migration. He acknowledged that managing the Ceuta border would be more difficult without Moroccan cooperation, even with increased Spanish investment in border security over the past eight years.

Sánchez also defended Spain's 2022 decision to support Morocco's autonomy initiative for the Sahara, stating it was a political conviction and not a bargain. He noted that five decades of deadlock had led other countries to reconsider their positions, making autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty a more viable settlement. Spain remains a major humanitarian donor to Sahrawi refugee camps.

Why it mattersMoroccans and Sahrawis are directly affected by Spain's stance on the Sahara's autonomy and the management of its borders with Ceuta.

Sources