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After the events of the past few days, Moroccan-Spanish relations are at an all time low, and Spanish officials have concerns its consequences might linger in bilateral relations.
According to Spanish news sources, Morocco’s intelligence and security services have chosen to cease communication with Spain, in favor of other european nations like France. This has placed Spain in a precarious position in terms of border security, considering Morocco is a common spot for irregular migrant crossings into Spain, and the rest of Europe.
Since 1986, the two countries have coordinated Operation “Paso del Estrecho,” or Crossing the stretch, working together to regulate the more than 3.3 million people that cross between Africa and Europe every summer. The operation regularly sees a peak during summer months, when regular and irregular migration commonly spikes.
As the summer months approach, Spain appears concerned about the diplomatic fallout over the Ceuta migration issue and the welcoming of Polisario leader Ghali in Spain. Madrid fears the diplomatic crisis could prove especially detrimental in border relations this year. Spain relies on Morocco immensely as the front line for intelligence exchange. After these issues, the Spanish appear unsure if that information will be present or reliable now.
The issue was complicated further through the involvement of one of both countries’ most fervent passion, football. The southern Spanish town of Seville is scheduled to host four soccer games as part of the 2021 Eurocup football competition.
The upcoming sports event has raised security fears in Madrid, due to Seville’s close proximity to the Moroccan border where the migration crisis is ongoing.
Officials from the Union of European Football Associations have assured Spanish media the match would be secure. Yet, without Morocco’s intelligence assistance, the Spanish are likely to be stretched thin in their efforts to make sure the region remains completely safe on match days.
Another fact putting additional pressure on Spain is the fact that this year’s tournament will be hosted all across Europe, due to it being the 60 year anniversary of the tournament. As fears of the possibility of Moroccan political retaliation remain in the air, Spain can do little but prepare for any outcome that may occur.
