Madrid, December 25, 2025 – A former Director of Spain’s National Security Department has issued a stark warning regarding Morocco’s growing influence and its potential impact on European security.
General Miguel Ángel Ballesteros, who served as Director from 2019 to 2023, broke a year-long silence in a recent interview, offering a candid assessment of the deteriorating security landscape in Europe and Spain’s increasing vulnerability. He specifically highlighted Morocco’s expanding role as a strategically concerning development.
Ballesteros argued that Spain is now “less secure than before the war in Ukraine,” citing its geographical location, the importance of the Mediterranean Sea, and the Strait of Gibraltar as key factors. He emphasized that the gradual decline of the American security umbrella necessitates a re-evaluation of European, and particularly Spanish, defense capabilities.
The General issued a particularly pointed warning about Morocco’s ambitions. “We must not forget that Morocco has very serious claims regarding Spanish territories,” he stated, referencing Rabat’s alliances with the United States and Israel, as well as its increasing technological and military capabilities.
While acknowledging the necessity of cooperation with Morocco in areas such as counter-terrorism and illegal immigration, Ballesteros cautioned against blind or unlimited collaboration. He stressed that Spain must clearly define “what is acceptable and what is not,” particularly with regard to its territorial sovereignty.
Ballesteros’s statements suggest a shift in perspective, portraying Morocco not merely as a strategic partner, but as a regional player with explicit ambitions. This raises questions about how Spain, and Europe as a whole, will address Morocco’s persistent desires, especially given the fragility of European defense and the reliance of some nations on American protection. The General’s warning arrives amidst significant security shifts, underscoring the growing need to reassess defense capabilities and prioritize strategic independence.
