Morocco ties Ceuta-Melilla border opening to EU's Sahara recognition, Spanish media says

Morocco «does not intend to open the customs borders in Ceuta and Melilla in the short or medium term», Spanish media reported, attributing this decision to «technical complications». They suggested that Rabat's stance is influenced by the recent cancellation of agricultural and fisheries agreements by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Diplomatic sources from the Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed that Morocco's refusal is linked to the ECJ's decision, according to OK Diario. They stated that Rabat has conveyed its concerns regarding the delay in opening the customs borders, citing the EU's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara as a prerequisite.

Until the EU acknowledges Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, «Rabat is expected to maintain its stance on the Europeanization of Ceuta and Melilla».