Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has ruled out any discussion of Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco while reaffirming Madrid’s support for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a possible solution to the Sahara dispute.
Speaking in an interview with the Memorias de Pez podcast released Sunday, November 8, Sánchez said the status of the two cities had “never been a subject of debate” in bilateral relations, describing sovereignty and territorial integrity as red lines for his government.
He nevertheless defended cooperation with Rabat, arguing that Spain and Morocco share extensive economic, cultural and security interests, particularly in controlling irregular migration.
Sánchez acknowledged that managing the border at Ceuta would become considerably more difficult without Moroccan cooperation, despite increased Spanish investment in border security over the past eight years.
He said the latest incidents at Ceuta had also raised questions about strengthening the cities’ European status. He called for greater recognition that Ceuta and Melilla constitute not only Spain’s but also Europe’s land borders in Africa.
Madrid is pursuing stronger representation for both cities in the European Committee of the Regions, while discussions remain open over their possible integration into the European Union’s customs union, a question unresolved for decades.
On the Sahara, Sánchez defended Spain’s 2022 decision to support Morocco’s autonomy initiative, rejecting suggestions that the policy shift resulted from a political or commercial bargain with Rabat.
He argued that five decades of deadlock had prompted several European countries and UN Security Council members to reconsider their positions, making autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty a potentially more viable settlement.
“There was no transaction,” Sánchez said, presenting the decision as a political conviction that Spain should contribute more actively to resolving the dispute.
He also stressed that Spain remains a major humanitarian donor to Sahrawi refugee camps, portraying continued assistance and support for autonomy as compatible elements of Madrid’s policy.
His remarks come after the October 30 Security Council deadlock over MINURSO’s mandate, which has placed renewed attention on the international framework for resolving the Sahara dispute.
Sánchez rejected speculation about Moroccan intentions as a basis for reshaping bilateral relations, insisting that cooperation with Rabat must combine mutual respect with an unequivocal defense of Spain’s territorial claims.
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