evidence: The 20th century ushered in dramatic changes for the broader region, and Ceuta and Melilla were no exception. As decolonization movements swept across Africa, Morocco, newly independent in 1956, quickly laid claim to both cities, viewing them as integral parts of its territorial sovereignty. For Morocco, Ceuta and Melilla are akin to colonial vestiges that ought to be reintegrated into the kingdom, much like Gibraltar is for Spain in its own dispute with the United Kingdom. Spain, however, has steadfastly maintained that Ceuta and Melilla are integral parts of its national territory. Both enclaves were officially declared autonomous cities in 1995, further cementing their political and administrative ties to Madrid. Spain’s argument is based on a legal framework that sees Ceuta and Melilla as long-established Spanish municipalities, predating the modern Moroccan state. [...] The future of Ceuta and Melilla remains uncertain. The enclaves are unlikely to lose their strategic importance, particularly given their roles as EU borders. For Morocco, reclaiming the cities remains a long-term national goal, though the issue is often placed on the back burner to preserve broader bilateral cooperation with Spain on matters like trade, migration, and security.