Ceuta : Calm Returns as the Political Battle Begins

This new phase confirms Morocco’s decisive role in restoring calm. Tighter controls on the Moroccan side, the organisation of returns and the prevention of new gatherings near Fnideq all helped contain the crisis. The facts clearly show that the security of Europe’s southern border cannot be guaranteed by Spain alone, but depends directly on close and balanced cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco.

Politically, Madrid has so far avoided officially blaming Rabat, despite criticism from some Spanish officials. At the same time, Ceuta’s local authorities have denounced what they consider to be a delayed response from the central government, while several European countries have reinforced their own border controls. The crisis is therefore shifting from the ground to a broader debate over Spain’s responsibilities and divisions within the European Union.

The conclusion is clear: Morocco is fully assuming its responsibilities in the fight against irregular migration, but it cannot be reduced to the role of Europe’s border guard. Its contribution to regional stability deserves explicit political recognition, practical support and genuine cooperation on legal mobility, the fight against criminal networks and economic development.