The Partido Popular said in an October 13, 2026, statement that coordinators of the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions had approved moving forward with an initiative challenging Google Maps’ dashed land borders between Ceuta and Melilla and Morocco. The petition asks EU institutions to examine the map under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and calls for continuous lines. This is a petition-process step, not a Commission finding or fine.
What the dashed line means
The map depiction at issue uses gray dashed lines along the land borders of Ceuta and Melilla with Morocco. Google’s border guidance says dashed lines can mark boundaries with disputed definitions, as well as certain provisional or treaty-based boundaries. The line style alone does not identify which category Google applies here.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish autonomous cities on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. Spain regards them as part of its territory, while Morocco claims them. The petition’s argument that the map depiction could mislead users is the complainant’s position.
How the DSA penalty process works
The European Commission designated Google Maps a very large online platform on April 25, 2023, bringing additional DSA obligations, including risk assessment and mitigation. The Commission can request information and order compliance. Before imposing a penalty, it must establish an infringement and give Google an opportunity to present arguments.
The DSA’s general penalty ceiling is up to 6% of a provider’s worldwide turnover in the preceding fiscal year. That statutory maximum is not a proposed fine for this border complaint.
Petition 1448/2025 covers a separate proposal
The Partido Popular described a separate initiative seeking special EU status for Ceuta and Melilla. Its October 13 statement identifies that proposal as Petition 1448/2025 and says it was declared admissible on December 22, 2025.
