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Spain confirms feasibility of €8.5 billion Morocco-Europe tunnel
A Spanish government study has confirmed the technical feasibility of constructing a tunnel linking Morocco and Spain, marking a significant step forward for the ambitious €8.5 billion project. This cross-continental railway link, which would span approximately 65 kilometers, has been under discussion for decades. Recent advancements in technology and renewed political will have brought the project closer to reality.
A historic project with modern challenges
The study, commissioned by the Spanish government and conducted by German tunneling expert Herrenknecht, concluded that despite the complex geological conditions of the Gibraltar Strait, the tunnel is achievable with current technology. Herrenknecht’s findings suggest that significant engineering improvements have been made since the early 2000s, making the project feasible within today’s technical margins.
The tunnel’s Spanish section would begin near Vejer de la Frontera and connect to the national railway network via a new link to the Cádiz-Sevilla line. The project would also include tunneling beneath the Camarinal Threshold, a geologically challenging area that has been a major hurdle in previous feasibility studies.
Decisive implementation phase begins
Spanish and Moroccan authorities have committed to finalizing a tender for an exploratory tunnel by 2027. This first phase, which involves building a reconnaissance gallery, is expected to take six to nine years and will lay the groundwork for the full twin-tube design. Optimistic forecasts suggest initial progress could align with the 2030 World Cup, which Spain and Morocco are set to co-host. However, more realistic timelines place major milestones between 2035 and 2040.
Both governments are also working on seismic and seabed studies, with support from the United States Geological Survey, to further refine the project’s design. In addition, delegations from Spain’s SECEGSA (Spanish Company for Studies on Fixed Communication across the Gibraltar Strait) and Morocco’s SNED (Société Nationale d’Études du Détroit) have sought advice from Norway’s Rogfast project, which involves the construction of the world’s longest and deepest tunnel.
Funding and economic prospects
The Spanish Ministry of Transport has tasked public consulting firm Ineco with developing a profitability model for the tunnel. The study is evaluating concession-based financing, similar to the Eurotunnel, and exploring revenue streams such as railway fees, logistics services, electrical interconnection, and fiber optic installation.
Proponents of the project highlight its potential to solidify the Iberian Peninsula’s role as a strategic hub between Europe and Africa. The tunnel could enhance Euro-Mediterranean transport networks, boost energy interconnectivity, and create new opportunities for passenger and freight transportation.
Political and historical context
The project’s momentum has grown significantly since 2023, when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez shifted his position on Western Sahara, strengthening ties with Morocco. This political alignment has accelerated collaboration between the two nations, with support from European Next Generation funds.
The concept of a fixed link across the Gibraltar Strait dates back to the 19th century, but the first official agreement between Spain and Morocco was signed in 1979. Over the years, Spain has invested millions in the project, although funding waned during the last decade. Recent allocations from European Reconstruction Funds have revived the initiative, with over €2 million allocated since 2021.
A bold vision for Euro-African integration
The confirmation of the tunnel’s technical viability marks a turning point in a project long considered a distant dream. With Spain and Morocco committed to advancing the plan, the tunnel represents a historic opportunity to bridge continents and reimagine the economic and cultural ties between Europe and Africa.