Carlos Echeverria Jesus, a professor of international relations at Spain's National University of Distance Education (UNED) and director of the Observatory of Ceuta and Melilla, a Madrid-based think tank, told Le Monde that the recent crisis at the border of Ceuta reflects Morocco's territorial ambitions regarding the Spanish enclaves.
In an interview published on August 8, 2026, Echeverria Jesus analyzed the events of May 2021, when thousands of migrants and Moroccan civilians crossed into Ceuta following a relaxation of border controls by Moroccan authorities. He argued that this was not a spontaneous migration surge but a deliberate pressure tactic by Morocco to assert its claim over Ceuta and Melilla, which Morocco considers occupied territories.
Echeverria Jesus noted that Morocco's strategy includes using migration as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations with Spain, as well as reinforcing its narrative of territorial integrity. He emphasized that the crisis highlighted the vulnerability of the enclaves and the need for a comprehensive EU-Spain-Morocco dialogue.
The professor also pointed out that while migration is a real challenge, the underlying issue is Morocco's revisionist stance, which has been consistent over decades. He called for a clear European response that balances cooperation with Morocco and the protection of Spanish sovereignty.
