Morocco Challenges Spain with Fish Farms in Disputed Waters, Straining Relations

"The backdrop in relations between Spain and Morocco remains the same. Even if meetings were to take place, they would not mean that everything is going well. I would not wish these meetings to be forced by those who convey the idea of normalization," Echeverría said, recalling that only recently, Morocco has "provoked" Spain by allowing companies to install fish farms in Spanish waters, precisely in Chafarinas.

For Echeverría, a possible reopening of the borders without a resumption of relations would be seen as "a rush" and not as a sign of improvement. "There needs to be a change in attitude that must first and foremost come from Morocco," he specifies, adding that "the pandemic is a perfect excuse, but the gradual closure of the borders is part of the Moroccan strategy towards Ceuta and Melilla".

When asked if there are pro-Moroccans in Ceuta, Echeverría replies that "sometimes, people and groups are pointed out and distinguished from Spanish citizens", also stressing that "Morocco could, if it does not already do so, use this type of message to generate mistrust in certain corners of Spain and the EU where the coexistence between Muslims and other faiths is exemplary".