Ceuta: Why Is a European Union City Located on African Soil?

Ceuta is geographically in Africa but politically governed by Spain as an autonomous city and part of the European Union. Located on Africa’s northern coast, it shares a fortified land border with Morocco and has a population of about 85,000 to 90,000 people. The city has passed through Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Muslim rule. Portugal captured it in 1415, while Spanish sovereignty was formally recognised in 1668. Morocco still claims Ceuta as part of its territory, but Spain considers it an inseparable part of the Spanish state. Ceuta is also a major migration gateway into Europe, making its border with Morocco one of the continent’s most heavily monitored. Its status continues to raise difficult questions about colonial history, territorial sovereignty, African identity and post-colonial justice. Should Ceuta remain part of Spain, or should its future be reconsidered as an African territory?

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