Spanish Popular Party accuses Sanchez's government of dishonesty over Ceuta, Melilla customs reopening

Spain’s Popular Party (PP) is angered by Sánchez’s government, criticizing its “lack of honesty” over the Ceuta and Melilla dispute, which remains unresolved despite an April 2022 agreement with Morocco, according to Spanish media.

The Spanish party believes that “Morocco has no intention of opening the customs offices in Ceuta and Melilla, arguing that such a move would implicitly recognize Spanish sovereignty over the cities.”

The PP accused the Sánchez administration of failing to negotiate effectively and of misleading the public. They assert that Morocco’s reluctance is rooted in its refusal to acknowledge Spanish sovereignty over the cities.

Europa Press, quoting sources within the PP, indicated that Spain’s failure to respond decisively was perceived “by Morocco as a sign of weakness, enabling the continued strategy of economic strangulation of the two cities.”

For context, Spanish Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, previously noted that Morocco will not proceed with the border openings until the EU definitively supports Morocco’s position on its Sahara, reported OkDiaro.

This stance comes in the wake of a recent European Court of Justice ruling that annulled agricultural and fisheries agreements between the EU and Morocco due to their inclusion of the Moroccan Sahara.

While Morocco has no immediate plans to reopen customs in Ceuta and Melilla, citing technical complexities, Spanish diplomatic sources have directly connected the delay to the EU’s position on the Sahara.

These sources have also expressed Morocco’s discontent with the European Court of Justice’s decision, viewing it as a setback to its ambitions for sovereignty over its Sahara. Consequently, Morocco is employing other pressure tactics.

Since May 2022, Morocco has also prohibited goods from entering its territory via Ceuta and Melilla, confiscating items brought by travelers.

While bilateral agreements were reached last year to reopen customs, implementation remains stalled.

Melilla’s economy, heavily dependent on trade with Morocco, suffered a significant blow when commercial customs were halted. This move, aimed at curbing smuggling, cost Melilla an estimated €47 million annually.

While Morocco’s customs revenues increased by MAD 4 billion, Melilla’s economy faced considerable challenges.

Moroccan authorities cite technical challenges, while some Spanish media allege that Morocco conditions the move on European recognition of its sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.