Mohamed Larbi: Morocco-Spain relations post-Ceuta crisis

Geographical proximity is an immutable given, but building a common future remains a deeply political choice. Between Morocco, Spain, and the European Union, history resists cyclical shocks thanks to solid foundations forged by decades of multidimensional cooperation. Faced with contemporary migration challenges and regional security downturns, this relationship cannot be reduced to electoral squabbles or hasty accusations.

Recent events around the enclave of Ceuta must under no circumstances tarnish the depth of the transcontinental strategic partnership. To date, no official Spanish document attests to any involvement by Morocco in the events that occurred in Ceuta. Launching baseless suspicions directly harms shared efforts for stability. It is imperative to halt these gratuitous incriminations to preserve the balance of a major bilateral relationship.

The strength of the ties between Morocco, Spain, and Europe is measured by concrete actions and long-term shared results. Political shortcuts and crisis rhetoric cannot eclipse a partnership so vital to peace in the Mediterranean

The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly clarified the Kingdom’s position in a press release published this September 10, 2026. Morocco categorically refuses to serve as electoral currency or a scapegoat in internal political debates. The Kingdom rejects the idea of becoming a convenient alibi for Spanish political divisions, calling instead for responsibility, calm, and diplomatic pragmatism.

On the ground, Morocco’s contribution to controlling migration flows remains colossal. In 2025 alone, Moroccan border and coastal surveillance mechanisms successfully thwarted 73,640 irregular migration attempts. Faced with sustained pressure and a volatile regional environment, Morocco demonstrates impeccable resilience in securing Europe’s southern flank.

This fight targets not only the symptoms but also organized criminal structures. During the same year, Moroccan authorities dismantled over 300 human-trafficking networks. These constantly evolving organizations develop sophisticated strategies and pool their services, forcing Moroccan security forces into a constant and costly adaptation effort.

Beyond operational firmness, Morocco applies a profoundly humanist approach to border management. In 2025, no fewer than 13,595 migrants were rescued at sea and provided with medical support, accommodation, and emergency assistance. At the same time, 4,372 individuals benefited from voluntary return programs in dignity and respect for their fundamental rights, in consultation with their diplomatic representations.

These results reflect a significant strategic shift and attest to the effectiveness of the Moroccan doctrine. The drop in interceptions on certain routes shows a gradual drying up of the migration path transiting through the Kingdom. However, overall pressure is reconfiguring toward other itineraries in West Africa and the Mediterranean, calling for a comprehensive European response rather than isolated shifts of responsibility.

The security and counter-terrorism dimension constitutes another fundamental pillar of this exceptional partnership. Cooperation between Moroccan and Spanish services against violent extremism is cited internationally today as a model of bilateral success. This synergy relies on mutual institutional trust and a shared will to anticipate cross-cutting threats.

Since 2014, a total of 41 joint operations have been conducted by the two nations, leading to the arrest of 174 individuals linked to terrorist networks, including 112 on Spanish territory alone. Feedback and the sharing of strategic intelligence have made it possible to thwart numerous planned attacks on European soil, demonstrating the invaluable worth of Moroccan expertise.

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In this regard, Spanish institutions have repeatedly praised the remarkable efficiency of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) under the leadership of Mr. Abdellatif Hammouchi. The sustained action of the DGST to curb networks linked to international combatants and jihadist recruitment cells constitutes an indispensable rampart for the security of the Iberian Peninsula and the European continent.

In short, the strength of the ties between Morocco, Spain, and Europe is measured by concrete actions and long-term shared results. Political shortcuts and crisis rhetoric cannot eclipse a partnership so vital to peace in the Mediterranean. Morocco remains a reliable, responsible, and indispensable partner, determined to build a Euro-Mediterranean future founded on mutual respect and co-responsibility.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Maghrebi.org. Mohamed Larbi is a Moroccan journalist specialized in political and social affairs. You can follow him on X: @MohamedLarbi123.

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