As Donald Trump returns to the White House, Spain is increasingly concerned about the future of American military presence in the country, particularly regarding the potential relocation of U.S. forces from the Rota base in southern Spain to Morocco. According to an article published on April 19, 2025, by The Financial Times, this anxiety is rooted in heightened tensions between Trump’s administration and NATO allies, especially following Trump’s calls for European nations to shoulder a larger share of defense costs.
The Rota base, which was established in 1953 as part of a defense cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Spain, serves as a strategic hub for American forces in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, it hosts approximately 2,800 American soldiers and five destroyers. Analysts suggest that Morocco may present a more strategically advantageous option for the U.S. military, given its geographical proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, political stability, and favorable relations with the United States. Furthermore, they argue that the Trump administration perceives the risks associated with relocating forces to Morocco as lower than maintaining a presence in Spain, especially amid strained relations with Pedro Sanchez’s government over various international issues, including China and the Middle East.
In fact, discussions about transferring part of the American fleet to Morocco’s "Small Castle" base were first reported during Trump’s first term in July 2020. Economically, the American military presence at Rota is significant for Spain, particularly in the Cadiz region, where it contributes over 600 million euros annually, not including maintenance contracts managed by the state-owned company Navantia.
Meanwhile, Spanish officials have dismissed rumors circulating on social media regarding the cancellation of Schengen visa requirements for residents of neighboring Moroccan areas, such as Tetouan and Nador, near the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Official sources confirmed that the visa system remains unchanged, emphasizing that entry into Spain continues to be regulated. This clarification comes amid concerns about alleged plans to facilitate the settlement of sub-Saharan Africans near these Spanish enclaves.
On April 20, 2025, Spanish authorities reiterated that the current naturalization system would not be altered, dismissing any claims of changes that would ease entry for specific groups. The situation is further complicated by warnings about potential dangers and significant financial implications related to these immigration discussions, alongside references to alleged smuggling operations.
In a related development, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares, in Madrid to discuss several pressing issues, including the Sahara conflict and the strengthening of bilateral relations. According to reports, this second meeting was an opportunity to review progress on a new roadmap for relations agreed upon in 2022, following Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy proposal for the Sahara.
During their discussions, Bourita and Albares addressed various matters of mutual concern, including immigration, economic and trade relations, and security cooperation. Bourita's visit to Spain was part of a broader diplomatic tour that included meetings with several European nations, such as France, Estonia, Moldova, Croatia, and Hungary. However, the visit to Spain held particular political significance, especially in light of recent Spanish military actions in northern Morocco, particularly in Melilla, which have reignited tensions between the two countries.
The deployment of Spanish military units along the border with Morocco has raised questions in both Spanish and Moroccan media regarding the motivations behind this military buildup, especially as Europe grapples with the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising tensions between the U.S. and China. Spanish media have characterized this military movement as a significant diplomatic and strategic shift, though the reasons remain somewhat unclear.
Despite these developments, Morocco has exhibited considerable restraint in its response to Spain’s military maneuvers in Melilla. Instead of escalating tensions, Morocco is focusing on diplomatic engagement, adopting a strategic patience approach. This strategy is particularly evident in how Morocco is handling the issues surrounding Ceuta and Melilla, opting to leverage political and diplomatic channels rather than resorting to confrontational tactics.
Morocco’s response is characterized by a desire to build a balance of power and achieve political gains through dialogue and cooperation, rather than through military confrontation. This approach reflects Morocco's broader strategy of fostering positive relations with its neighbors while navigating the complexities of regional geopolitics.
As these multifaceted dynamics unfold, the future of U.S. military presence in Spain and the implications for Moroccan-Spanish relations remain uncertain. Both nations appear to be at a crossroads, where diplomatic engagements and military posturing will significantly shape the regional landscape in the coming months.
