On August 13, 2026, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch reiterated Morocco's longstanding claim to the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, stating that the issue is a matter of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. His remarks, made during a parliamentary session, have reignited debate over the status of the two Mediterranean cities, which have been under Spanish control for centuries.
The Spanish government responded by reaffirming its commitment to the treaties that ceded the enclaves to Spain, emphasizing their Spanish and European character. Spanish Foreign Minister JosΓ© Manuel Albares stated that Ceuta and Melilla are integral parts of Spain and the European Union, and any challenge to their sovereignty is unacceptable.
This is not the first time Morocco has raised the issue. In 2021, a diplomatic crisis erupted when Spain hosted the leader of the Polisario Front, leading to a mass migration event at the border. Relations have since improved, but the sovereignty question remains a recurring point of friction.
The enclaves, with a combined population of about 165,000, are the only land borders between the European Union and Africa. Their strategic location and economic significance make them a sensitive topic in bilateral relations, with no immediate resolution in sight.
