24-02-2025
Spanish Media: Trump May Recognize Ceuta, Melilla as Moroccan Territory
Doha – Spanish media outlets have intensified their coverage of what they perceive as 'growing threats' to Ceuta and Melilla, with several publications expressing alarm over potential shifts in the cities' status under Donald Trump's second US presidency.
'In the realm of security, there is concern that Trump could make an announcement about Ceuta and Melilla similar to what he did about Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara,' El Español stated in its analysis published yesterday.
'In Melilla, we are watching expectantly for the repercussions of this alliance, even though relations between Spain and Morocco are currently good,' declared Amin Azmani from Somos Melilla, as quoted by El Español.
The publication revealed that in Ceuta, Trump's rapport, specifically with the Alaouite monarchy, is viewed 'with distrust and some resentment.'
El Español asserted that Trump's recent attacks on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his position on the Ukraine war 'make any scenario in international politics now plausible.'
'Politicians and institutions in the two Spanish autonomous cities are reluctant to speak publicly about this issue and prefer to focus on more immediate matters, such as the opening of commercial customs,' El Español disclosed, while pointing out that 'among military and security experts there is concern.'
As US-Morocco ties bolster, Spain fears it's the outlier
In this context, another Spanish outlet, The Objective, projected its take on an even starker warning in its Saturday analysis, titling its piece: 'Ukraine is alone against Russia and Spain will be alone against Morocco.'
The opinion article championed a direct parallel between the two situations, elaborating that 'half of Europe is dismayed because Trump's USA has abandoned Ukraine.'
The publication claimed that 'the only country that threatens to occupy Spanish territory is Morocco,' citing actions in Canary waters, the Perejil Island incident, and Spain's concession of its administrative authority in the Sahara.
'The lesson for Spain from Ukraine is this: if you trust your defense to external powers, the day will come when you see your protectors negotiating with your enemies,' The Objective cautioned.
Yet another publication, Vozpópuli, in turn, unveiled a previously unknown historical precedent that has heightened these concerns.
According to former Spanish Defense Minister Federico Trillo, during the 2002 Perejil Island crisis, 'the United States warned Morocco and called to offer us a negotiation, which involved giving them the Chafarinas Islands and Peñón de la Gomera.'
El Español pointed out that bilateral relations between Morocco and the US have reached 'unprecedented levels,' quoting King Mohammed VI's words.
The publication stressed that this relationship has flourished particularly since Trump's 2020 recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara.
Additionally, the Spanish media source noted Trump's apparent antipathy toward Spain's government from the start of his new term.
El Español reported that after criticizing Spain's defense spending as 'low, very low,' Trump incorrectly included Spain among the BRICS countries, threatening them with '100% tariffs.'
The publication added that Trump has also eliminated Spanish-language White House websites and social media.
Washington embraces Rabat as Madrid watches helplessly
Amid this perceived shift, the Spanish outlets also bring forward Morocco's growing military capabilities, with El Español reporting that Morocco's 2025 military budget exceeds €12 billion, representing a 7% increase from 2024.
'Morocco has become a major buyer of US weapons,' El Español stated, noting that 'in its particular arms race, it has been progressively increasing its budget.'
The Iberian media also voiced concern over recent US-Morocco military cooperation. El Español reported that on February 10, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General CQ Brown and Moroccan Armed Forces Inspector General Mohammed Berrid reaffirmed their commitment to enhance security cooperation in the Maghreb and Sahel regions.
Congressman Joe Wilson was quoted by El Español warning against the 'threat' posed by what he termed 'the Polisario terrorist militia' and its supporters to stability in West Africa. The publication noted that Morocco has long sought US designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization.
El Español further disclosed that Trump's administration has already demonstrated its priorities by excluding Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez from its first round of contacts, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio promptly called Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
'Rabat immediately issued a statement highlighting the 'Moroccan-American strategic partnership,'' El Español noted.
The publications repeatedly stressed that Ceuta and Melilla lack NATO protection, making them particularly vulnerable.
'In military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' El Español revealed, referencing the 50th anniversary of Morocco's recovery of its southern provinces.
The Center for Higher National Defense Studies (CESEDEN), under Spain's Ministry of Defense, was quoted by El Español affirming that 'the US now prioritizes its relationship with Morocco over Spain as an 'important regional partner' in the Mediterranean.'
These reports emerge as Morocco continues to strengthen its international position, with its autonomy plan for the Sahara gaining increasing support, including Spain's backing announced in 2022.
El Español noted that one of Morocco's aspirations is for the United States to open a consulate in Dakhla, which would further affirm Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara.
Read also: Spanish Analyst: Morocco, Spain May Share Sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla by 2030 Tags: Ceuta-MelillaDonald TrumpMorocco spain
