Spain Unveils Urgent Plan to Counter Morocco’s Economic Blockade of Ceuta and Melilla

Spain wants to accelerate the implementation of a strategic plan to counter the economic blockade imposed by Morocco on the two autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, according to a government report accessed by El Pais. The plan would be operational "before the summer," government sources say.

Specifically, the government, to save the two cities that are "suffocated" by Morocco, plans to integrate Ceuta and Melilla into the EU customs union and review their economic and social regime. This involves tax exemptions "to stimulate tourism and online gambling," the creation of an "area of shared prosperity" with Gibraltar, and the strengthening of port activity in Melilla in order to control the tough competition with the port of Nador. The new strategy also includes the reception of guards from the European Border Agency (Frontex) in the two cities.

In this document, the Executive also highlights the "socio-demographic challenge" of Ceuta and Melilla in the face of a significant migratory flow from Morocco and a growing "social divide" due to the lack of opportunities and leisure spaces for a young population. It also warns of the emergence of "xenophobic sentiments" and a certain "detachment from the State," with many citizens of Ceuta and Melilla believing that public services (health, education and other social services) are "of lower quality than the national average and made available to foreigners," mainly the inhabitants of Nador and Tetouan.

The major diplomatic crisis opened between Morocco and Spain after the reception in April of Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front, in a hospital in Logrono, and the migratory crisis that followed with the massive entry in May of migrants into Ceuta, have led the two countries to focus on their priorities: as much as the Sahara is a sensitive issue for Morocco, Spain is keen on its sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.