Canary Islands vote against anti-Morocco motion eases travel concerns

The Canary Islands Morocco relations debate has taken a reassuring turn for travellers, after the regional parliament overwhelmingly rejected a far-right motion calling for a tougher stance against Rabat.

Canary Islands Morocco relations: what to know

On Wednesday, the Parliament of the Canary Islands voted down an initiative tabled by the Vox party. The text denounced what it called Moroccan “expansionism”, supposedly threatening Ceuta, Melilla and the archipelago.

The motion secured only three votes in favour, with 45 against and 14 abstentions. Vox had demanded, among other things:

• a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between Spain and Morocco;
• the “immediate” suspension of the Treaty of friendship, good neighbourliness and cooperation between the two countries;
• a far tougher diplomatic, commercial and political stance towards Rabat.

Nicasio Galván, Vox spokesperson in the Canary Islands Parliament, claimed that Morocco had “declared intentions” to annex Ceuta, Melilla and the islands, and urged a “firm” response.

Local parties: firm on principles, but no break-up

In response, the Canary Coalition and the El Hierro Independent Group put forward an alternative amendment. It reaffirms the defence of the territorial integrity of the archipelago and calls for the delimitation of maritime areas by mutual agreement.

Both groups insist on a “firm” position vis-à-vis Rabat, yet they reject suspending the friendship treaty or reopening the entire bilateral framework. In practice, they draw their red lines while preserving the existing cooperation architecture.

This outcome shows that, despite occasional political tension, a broad majority of Canary Islands representatives want to keep structured dialogue with Morocco.

What this means for Moroccans abroad using the islands

For Moroccans living abroad who use the Canary Islands as a transit point to the kingdom by plane, cruise or stopover, the vote is a sign of continuity. The Canary Islands Morocco relations framework, anchored in the friendship treaty between Madrid and Rabat, remains intact.

Since the motion was rejected, there is no new restriction and no immediate change regarding:

• flights between the islands and Moroccan cities;
• neighbourhood and cooperation policies between Spain and Morocco;
• agreements that support tourism, trade and people-to-people mobility.

Moroccans abroad planning trips home, booking tickets or arranging itineraries via the Canary Islands can therefore maintain their plans as they stand, based on current rules.

However, the debate underlines how sensitive these issues remain in Spain, especially maritime borders and migration management. Frequent travellers between Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco should keep an eye on the long-term evolution of Spain–Morocco ties.

Staying informed about practical changes

Air, sea and land connections depend primarily on state-level agreements, but also on operational decisions by airlines, port authorities and border control agencies. For any concrete changes that would affect travel, it is advisable to regularly check:

• updates from transport companies, including Royal Air Maroc;
• official guidance from Moroccan and Spanish authorities;
• practical updates we share in Canal212’s guide to key procedures for Moroccans abroad.

For now, the main message coming from the islands is clear: despite radical rhetoric, most political forces want to preserve a structured relationship with Morocco. This is a useful factor for Moroccans abroad when choosing routes, stopovers and stays between the archipelago and the kingdom.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.