Spanish MEPs Urge EU Action Against Morocco Over Ceuta and Melilla Dispute

On May 17, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note of protest to the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas. At issue, Schinas’ statement that the cities of Ceuta and Melilla are borders of Spain and the European Union. Morocco retorted by transmitting a note referring to a series of what it considers "hostile statements" by Schinas on "the Moroccan cities of Ceuta and Melilla".

Faced with these remarks, Pagaza and Cañas are demanding a firm response from the High Representative or the European Commission, and from Schinas himself, to the Moroccan authorities. They want the EU to clarify its position, verify Morocco’s discourse on the two autonomous cities and assess the need to review the terms of its partnership with Morocco.