The issue of the status of Ceuta and Melilla has once again come to the forefront of international debate, directly impacting Spain’s strategic interests in North Africa. Recent statements by American experts have raised the prospect of Washington potentially revisiting its stance on these territories, a move that could have serious consequences for Madrid’s diplomatic relations with key partners. For Spaniards, such initiatives not only threaten territorial integrity but also pose new challenges in security and foreign policy.
Former senior Pentagon official Michael Rubin, now affiliated with the American Enterprise Institute, has put forward a proposal that sparked intense public reaction in Spain. In an analysis for the Middle East Forum, he called on Donald Trump to officially recognize Ceuta and Melilla as “Moroccan-occupied territories.” According to Rubin, this step would extend the US policy of supporting Morocco, initiated with the recognition of Rabat’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. He claims Spain maintains a colonial presence in Africa despite current international trends.
Arguments and context
Rubin notes that the Spanish authorities are likely to respond very negatively to such statements, and Pedro Sánchez may find himself in a difficult position. The article highlights that, according to the author, Madrid applies double standards, criticizing Israel for its actions in the Middle East while continuing to control Ceuta and Melilla. Rubin compares the historical rights of Jews to the land of Israel with Spain’s presence in North Africa, describing the latter as an example of colonialism. He also reminds readers that Ceuta and Melilla came under Spanish control as far back as the 15th and 16th centuries, but believes that the current realities call for a reassessment of these cities’ status.
The article notes that American think tanks are increasingly being used as platforms to promote Morocco’s interests. According to RUSSPAIN, such initiatives may be linked to active efforts by Moroccan lobbyists in the US, who seek to change the international perception of Ceuta and Melilla. At the same time, Spanish experts point to the historical and legal grounds for Madrid’s ownership of these territories, which is supported by international treaties and rulings.
Impact on relations with allies
The potential recognition of Ceuta and Melilla as Moroccan territories could strain relations between Spain and the United States, and also create tensions within the European Union and NATO. As Madrid faces challenges on its southern borders, such statements are seen as an attempt to put pressure on the Spanish government. Notably, the US has previously taken steps to shift its regional policy by supporting Morocco’s claims to Western Sahara, triggering mixed reactions across Europe.
Within Spain, the issue of Ceuta and Melilla remains sensitive, particularly amid growing migration pressure and intensified debates over national identity. Any attempts to challenge Spanish sovereignty over these cities provoke a sharp response from both politicians and the public. Analysis by russpain.com suggests that such initiatives could spark new diplomatic conflicts and fuel nationalist sentiment.
Historical parallels and consequences
The surge of interest in the status of Ceuta and Melilla has coincided with a period when Spain has already been dealing with foreign policy challenges linked to the energy crisis and rising prices. As RUSSPAIN notes, a previous conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean led to increased tensions and economic consequences for the country. You can read more about this in the article on the impact of the Eastern conflict on Spain’s economy. New statements from American experts may serve as a catalyst for another round of debates about the future of Spain’s territories in Africa.
In recent years, issues of territorial integrity and the status of autonomous cities have repeatedly been discussed on international platforms. For example, in 2024, similar debates arose over the status of Gibraltar, sparking heated disagreements among European countries. Such situations reveal how sensitive border and sovereignty revisions are in today’s world. For Spain, maintaining control over Ceuta and Melilla remains a top foreign policy priority, despite external pressure and a shifting geopolitical landscape.
