Melilla’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Miguel Marín, called on the Spanish government on Monday to seek assistance from the European Union to resolve the issue of the closed customs as it drags into its sixth year.
Melilla has been grappling with a severe economic blockade since Morocco unilaterally closed its commercial customs with the city in August 2018.
According to Marín, if Spain lacks the strength to handle the issue independently, it should turn to Brussels for support.
“If the Spanish government is a weak government and cannot demand the reopening of customs and the implementation of the passenger system, it must ask Europe for help,” Marín said.
Since May 2022, Morocco has also prohibited goods from entering its territory via Ceuta and Melilla, confiscating items brought by travelers.
While bilateral agreements were reached last year to reopen customs, implementation remains stalled.
Melilla’s economy, heavily dependent on trade with Morocco, suffered a significant blow when commercial customs were halted. This move, aimed at curbing smuggling, cost Melilla an estimated €47 million annually.
While Morocco’s customs revenues increased by MAD 4 billion, Melilla’s economy faced considerable challenges.
Moroccan authorities cite technical challenges, while some Spanish media allege that Morocco conditions the move on European recognition of its sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara.
Marín said that the closure was imposed without prior notice, disrupting 150 years of trade relations.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Melilla needs to adopt a more self-reliant economic strategy.
Marín also noted the importance of ensuring adherence to the passenger system, which facilitates the movement of people and small goods across borders. Marín said that this system could be even more critical than the reopening of trade customs.
As Melilla faces continued economic strain, Marín urged daily efforts toward building a sustainable economic model centered on the city’s resources and its people, independent of external dependencies.
“If the customs reopen, it will be welcome,” he noted, “but Melilla’s future must not hinge on unpredictable foreign policies.”
The post Melilla urges Spain to seek EU help in customs standoff with Morocco appeared first on HESPRESS English – Morocco News.
No products in the cart.