فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
A recent survey conducted by the Royal Elcano Institute revealed that more than half of Spaniards (55%) now view Morocco as the primary foreign threat to their country, surpassing Russia, which ranks second at 33%, and the United States at 19%.
Significant Increase in Perception of Morocco as a Threat
This figure marks a substantial rise compared to previous years, with a 6% increase from last year’s 49%, and a notable jump from 35% in 2021. The survey, conducted between May 19 and 29 on a representative sample of 1,000 people—including residents of the occupied enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla—found that over half consider Morocco the main external threat to Spain.
Background of Unresolved Diplomatic Tensions
Spanish media link this growing perception to the diplomatic tensions that erupted in 2021, particularly following a sudden influx of migrants into the occupied enclave of Ceuta, which Spanish authorities interpreted as a geopolitical pressure tactic by Rabat. Although some easing has occurred since Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez supported Morocco’s autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, popular mistrust remains strong.
Political Divisions Influence Perceptions
The survey also revealed sharp differences based on political orientation: 56% of right-wing voters view Morocco as a threat, compared to only 29% of left-wing voters and 38% of centrists. This polarization reflects ideological interpretations of Moroccan-Spanish relations, especially concerning Morocco’s historical claims over Ceuta and Melilla.
A Sense of Strategic Isolation Regarding Morocco
In an interview with the newspaper El País, researcher and co-author of the study Ignacio Molina highlighted that the feeling of insecurity toward Morocco is intensified by the fact that Morocco is not covered by NATO’s military protection, unlike Russia. He added, “Large segments of the Spanish right believe that Morocco regularly tests the red lines of the bilateral relationship.”
Rising Concerns About the United States
This trend has been reinforced by the return of Donald Trump—considered an ally of Morocco—to the White House. Since then, the perception of the United States as a threat has sharply increased from 5% in 2024 to 19% in 2025. This rise is also attributed to fears of protectionist economic policies or unilateral decisions that could harm European interests.
The classification of Morocco as Spain’s main foreign threat highlights the complex and tense nature of bilateral relations, shaped by political, historical, and strategic factors amid ongoing mistrust and diplomatic challenges.
