King Felipe VI vindicates Ceuta and Melilla as a strategic border and warns: "Any threat to a member state is a threat to the entire European Union"

King Felipe VI closed his official visit to Melilla this Wednesday with a strong message about the protection of Spanish and European borders. "Any threat to the border of a member state is, therefore, a threat to the entire EU," he stated during his speech at the Melilla Puerto hotel, where he participated alongside Queen Letizia in a meeting with some 400 representatives of Melilla society. The monarch took advantage of his intervention to reaffirm the Spanish identity of the autonomous city: "Although it may be obvious, it is important to reaffirm it: Melilla is Spain and Melilla is Europe."

Felipe VI insisted that the Melilla border is part of the common European space and defended the protection of democratic principles and freedoms. In this regard, he warned that these values should not be confused with a sign of weakness and assured that Spain is "prepared" to defend them. His statements come after the migratory crisis experienced in Ceuta at the end of July and in a context marked by border security and relations with Morocco.

The visit of the Kings to Ceuta and Melilla, the first of Felipe VI to both cities since his proclamation in 2014, has been marked by institutional acts and contact with their inhabitants. During the two days, the monarchs have received the support of numerous residents and have participated in meetings with political and social representatives, in addition to visiting educational centers. The trip has also served to convey a message of institutional support to two strategic territories for Spain and the European Union.

The King calls for more closeness with Ceuta and Melilla

In his farewell speech, Felipe VI dedicated specific words to the relationship of both cities with the rest of the country. "You deserve to feel more often, also through your Kings, the embrace and closeness of all Spaniards," he affirmed. The monarch added: "Not despite living here, but precisely because of that," in a vindication of the attention their inhabitants deserve. He also acknowledged that he had been postponing the visit for "too long" and thanked the welcome received during these two days.

The president of Melilla, Juan José Imbroda, had taken advantage of the presence of the Kings to demand greater involvement from the State: "An exceptional situation, like the one suffered in Ceuta, requires exceptional and not ordinary responses," both in budgetary and legislative matters as well as in security and economic development. The regional leader also defended the Spanishness of the city and publicly thanked Felipe VI for his support to Ceuta and Melilla. During his speech, he highlighted the coexistence between the different religious communities as one of the main hallmarks of Melilla society.

Felipe VI advocates for good neighborliness with Morocco

In his farewell speech, Felipe VI defended the need for Spain and Morocco to maintain a stable relationship despite the differences affecting their border ties. "Building and preserving a relationship of good neighborliness" is, according to the monarch, an objective that requires "trust, responsibility, and good faith." The King insisted that this understanding is "possible and desirable" and called for a commitment to work in that direction. His words combine the defense of Spanish sovereignty with the will to prevent tensions with the neighboring country from deteriorating the bilateral relationship.

The visit acquires special relevance due to the context in which it occurs. The Kings' trip comes after the massive entry of migrants into Ceuta at the end of July and reports about the presence of Moroccan military vessels in Spanish waters during those days. The European Commission has avoided commenting on this last episode and has indicated that it is up to the Spanish and Moroccan authorities to clarify the facts. Meanwhile, Felipe VI has reiterated that the protection of national borders also affects the entire European Union.

The visit also has historical significance: Felipe VI had not officially visited Melilla since his proclamation in 2014, while the last visit of a King and Queen to the city dated back to November 2007, when Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía traveled to Ceuta and Melilla. With this trip, the Crown seeks to normalize its institutional presence in both cities and strengthen the bond with their citizens. With these words, Felipe VI concluded his visit with a dual message: firmness in the defense of Spanish and European borders and a willingness to maintain a stable relationship with Rabat.