Pedro Sánchez stresses that the new maritime terminal in Ceuta reflects the fact that "never before has an Executive been so committed to the progress and development of this autonomous city"

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, took part in the presentation ceremony of the new maritime terminal in Ceuta, one of the major projects demanded by the autonomous city to improve its connection with the mainland, and in which the government has invested more than 20 million euros. "A promise finally fulfilled," Sanchez remarked.

During the presentation, in which the president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, also took the floor, the head of the Executive stressed that "never before has an Executive been so committed to the progress and development" of this autonomous city. "And we do so out of conviction, institutional loyalty, and because one of the main objectives of my administration has always been social and territorial cohesion", he added.

In this regard, he noted that, over the past seven years, Ceuta has received €428 million, almost 50% more than under the previous government, in addition to €90 million from European funds. And also, the largest advance payments in Ceuta's history: €56 million in 2026. Investments which, he stressed, "strengthen maritime connectivity, housing policies, and energy supply", which are "synonymous with well-being, territorial cohesion, and economic opportunities for the city of Ceuta".

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, during his tour of the new maritime station along with other authorities | Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

Sánchez also mentioned the transfer of 140,000 square metres of public land to Ceuta for affordable housing and that 10% of all developable land will be allocated to new housing for those most in need; the consolidation of all Army personnel into a single base, thanks to an additional allocation of €59 million; and the implementation of the new smart border with a €22 million investment, which came into effect a few weeks ago.

"Ceuta is moving forward thanks to the commitment of the Government of Spain", remarked the head of the Executive, who concluded by thanking President Vivas for his "collaboration and institutional loyalty", which demonstrates that administrations of different political leanings "can understand each other, work together, and that when we do, we improve the lives of our fellow citizens".

Submarine power cable that will connect Ceuta to the mainland

Later, the president also visited the new Virgen de África electricity substation, accompanied by Juan Jesús Vivas and the president of Red Eléctrica, Beatriz Corredor.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, receives explanations of the Peninsula-Ceuta interconnection project at the Virgen de África substation | Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

This substation marks the culmination of the most ambitious infrastructure project in the history of this city: the submarine power cable that will link Ceuta to the mainland, through the Strait of Gibraltar, and which will be fully operational very shortly. With an investment of €330 million, it will "guarantee clean, stable, secure, and competitive energy," and will allow the autonomous city to be "closer than ever to the rest of Spain".

Non official translation