Morocco’s rising EU influence triggers backlash from Spain’s Vox

Spain’s far-right Vox party is turning up the heat on the growing closeness between Morocco and the European Union, warning that Brussels is backing Rabat while ignoring Spanish concerns.

In the European Parliament, Vox leader Jorge Buxadé has filed a formal complaint questioning why the EU continues to strengthen ties with Morocco despite what the party describes as mounting pressure on Spain.

The criticism comes at a time when Morocco is gaining more international support for its autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara, a development Vox sees as further proof of shifting alliances.

Vox argues that the European Commission is treating Morocco as a reliable partner while avoiding sensitive issues.

According to the party, these include trade disputes and migration pressures that directly affect Spanish territories such as Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands.

The party claims that businesses in Ceuta and Melilla are being hit by trade restrictions, while irregular migration at land borders has surged sharply in recent months.

It also points to Morocco’s expansion of its maritime claims near the Canary Islands, which Vox describes as a direct challenge to Spain’s territorial waters.

For Vox, the issue is primarily political. The party accuses Brussels of showing what it calls “submission” to Rabat, arguing that EU leaders are eager to deepen cooperation without securing guarantees for Spain.

Buxadé has warned that this approach sends the wrong message. In his view, rewarding a partner accused of applying pressure through migration or trade weakens Europe’s position rather than strengthening it.

Vox is now calling for a clear change in EU policy, one that places stronger emphasis on defending Spanish territories and enforcing existing agreements.

The party also criticizes the government of Pedro Sánchez, accusing it of remaining silent while Morocco’s influence in Brussels grows.