EU Calls Moroccan Naval Entry Near Ceuta a Bilateral Issue for Spain and Morocco

EU Commission Response

Morocco’s naval activity near the Spanish enclave of Ceuta drew comment from the European Commission, which said the reported entry of Moroccan warships into waters off Ceuta in late July was “a matter for Spain and Morocco,” according to the Spanish news agency EFE. A Commission spokesperson said the authorities of both countries should clarify the circumstances of the incident, while describing Morocco as a “strategic partner” on migration. The spokesperson welcomed cooperation between Spain and Morocco after the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta on July 30 and 31, reiterating that “Ceuta and Melilla are EU territory and part of the bloc’s external borders.” The Commission also welcomed Morocco’s commitment to readmit everyone who arrived during the mass crossing. Brussels is working to strengthen ties with Morocco and develop what it described as a “comprehensive and strategic partnership,” the spokesperson added.

Naval Incident Details

On Monday, the Spanish newspaper El País reported, citing unnamed sources, that at least one frigate and several patrol boats from the Royal Moroccan Navy had entered Spanish waters without authorization after the mass border crossing. According to the report, a Spanish frigate intercepted the Moroccan vessels and forced them to leave Spanish waters.

Reactions from Spanish Leadership

Spanish public broadcaster TVE quoted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as saying, “We must acknowledge that such incidents do occur between two neighboring countries.” On Tuesday, Spanish government spokesperson Elma Saiz described the incident as isolated and said it had been resolved through normal channels, in keeping with good-neighbourly relations between the two countries. Spanish authorities also said communication between the two countries’ naval forces had helped prevent further escalation.