On 2026-10-14, King Felipe VI traveled to Melilla and Ceuta, two autonomous cities.
During the same visit, the king delivered a speech in Melilla that focused on Spain’s readiness to protect its core principles. He said the nation stands prepared to defend its values and freedoms, a sentence that appeared in multiple accounts of the day. While acknowledging the unique position of the cities and the difficulties they face, he called for unity and understanding among all residents and institutions.
The monarch also used the occasion to underline Spain’s sovereignty over Melilla and Ceuta. He stressed that defending values and freedoms is a key aspect of maintaining social cohesion in a diverse community. In his view, the challenge of keeping society together is ongoing, and he urged the European Union to show solidarity when addressing security worries that affect the enclaves.
The monarch also used the occasion to underline Spain’s sovereignty over Melilla and Ceuta.
A recurring theme in the king’s statements was the assertion that the two autonomous cities are an inseparable part of Spain. This claim was presented as non-negotiable, reinforcing the idea that their status cannot be questioned or altered.
Echoing the earlier remark about preparedness, Felipe VI explicitly declared,