Spain's Dual Approach Towards Morocco
In a recent development, while Spain officially praises its collaboration with Morocco, particularly in the realm of migration, a different narrative is emerging from the shadows. According to RTVE, the Spanish government is covertly exploring energy levers that could potentially be wielded to deter Morocco in the event of a renewed migration crisis. This strategic shift reveals a stark contrast to the public statements made by Spanish officials, who have previously hailed Moroccan cooperation as exemplary. Just weeks ago, amidst the turmoil in Ceuta, Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska expressed gratitude towards Moroccan authorities for their efforts in curbing irregular departures. The official statement emphasized the crucial coordination between the two nations, underscoring a facade of partnership.
Energy Dependence as a Pressure Tool
However, less than three weeks later, Madrid is contemplating a different scenario altogether. RTVE has uncovered that the Spanish government is developing an "energy contingency plan against Morocco." The primary objective of this initiative is to assess potential pressure tactics that could be employed if a new migration crisis were to arise, especially if Madrid suspects that Rabat is implicated in instigating such a situation. Importantly, this does not signal an immediate intention to cut off gas or electricity supplies to Morocco; rather, it indicates a desire to understand the extent of Spain’s leverage and gauge Morocco’s reliance on Spanish infrastructure. As reported, these measures are largely intended to serve a deterrent function.
The focus on energy is particularly significant, as a staggering 90% of Morocco's imported gas flows through Spain or its regasification facilities before reaching the kingdom. Furthermore, electrical exchanges with Spain may account for up to 20% of Morocco’s total consumption. The gas procured by Morocco from international markets can be offloaded at Spanish terminals and subsequently transported to Morocco via the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, which has been reversed since 2022. These critical transit points are now under examination by Madrid from a perspective of power dynamics.
The disparity between public rhetoric and covert preparations is striking. On one hand, Spain continues to portray Morocco as an indispensable ally and praises its migration cooperation. Conversely, it is already probing into which dependencies could enable a firm response during the next crisis. While Madrid is not explicitly threatening Rabat with an energy shutdown at this stage, the events in Ceuta have prompted the Spanish government to ascertain precisely which avenues of control it possesses and how far it might go in applying pressure on Morocco.
As reported by bladi.net.
