Spain unveils smart border in Melilla for smoother travel with Morocco

Spain’s Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has officially inaugurated Wednesday the new “smart border” system at Melilla’s crossing with Morocco, as reported by Europa Press.

This high-tech Entry/Exit System (EES), developed with an investment of 11 million euros, aims to make border crossings faster and more secure.

The EES will record not only travelers’ documentation but also their fingerprints and facial recognition data. 

According to the Spanish government, this will help reduce wait times and improve security measures at one of Spain’s most important external borders.

Speaking at the inauguration, Marlaska highlighted the importance of this project, describing it as “a significant step forward in modernizing border controls.” 

Marlaska assured that the new system would benefit both Spain and Morocco by facilitating legal travel and strengthening security against illegal activities such as human trafficking and smuggling.

The launch of this smart border system comes as Spain and Morocco continue to strengthen their cooperation on various security issues. 

During his visit, Marlaska emphasized that Spain and Morocco are “brother nations” with excellent relations. 

Marlaska praised the joint efforts of both countries in fighting organized crime, including migrant smuggling networks, drug trafficking, and terrorist cells.

Melilla, along with Ceuta, represents one of the key land borders between the European Union and Africa. 

The modernization of border controls has been a priority for Spanish authorities, who aim to balance security concerns with the need for efficient travel and trade.

Authorities expect the EES to fully integrate with broader EU security initiatives, making border crossings in Melilla smoother while keeping a close check on potential security threats. 

Travelers using the crossing will now undergo biometric identification, a move that officials say will enhance both security and convenience.

The new system is expected to be fully operational in the coming months, with additional adjustments based on real-time performance and feedback from border users.