Why Spain Keeps Ceuta and Melilla on Africa’s Edge

Spain’s enclaves Ceuta and Melilla, plus the Plazas de Soberanía, remain Spanish and part of the EU’s external border despite Moroccan claims dating to independence; they are remnants of Spain’s colonial era and enjoy broad local support to stay Spanish, even as Morocco pressures for their return. A recent surge of more than 50,000 migrants into Ceuta intensified tensions, prompting debate over sovereignty and border management. Analysts largely expect Spain to continue its sovereignty but possibly adjust border and migration cooperation with Morocco, rather than cede the territories.