EU and Morocco talk on comprehensive migration partnership
The European Union and Morocco are hammering out a deal focused on migration and border security, as part of efforts to manage irregular migration from North Africa, reported on July 18th, by The North Africa Post ,a Government-friendly outlet.
Officials from the European Commission stated that the ongoing discussions are based on frameworks previously established with Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan, which involves providing financial and technical support in exchange for closer collaboration on border control. Tunisia, a neighbouring country, reached an agreement with the EU in 2023, securing millions of Euros to establish stronger border controls. The initiative forms part of the EU’s Global Europe instrument, which points to double aid to the Maghrebi region in the forthcoming budget cycle. The EU commissioner for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, stated “We are working on deepening our partnership with Morocco,” during a Brussels press conference. She placed Morocco as a key partner alongside existing collaborations with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, while also noting that talks with Lebanon negotiations are upcoming.
The EU’s increased focus on migration, driven by an increase in Central Mediterranean arrivals that induced similar agreements with Tunisia and Egypt. Nevertheless, EU officials have noted that Morocco negotiations are at a very early stage, with no clear timeline for finalising a deal.
Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Foreign Minister, met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on the 16th of July, where the pair affirmed their strategic coalitions grounded in shared visions of prosperity, stability, and co-development. The consultation covered energy transitions, trade, security and challenges such as climate change, terrorism and irregular migration.
The representatives exchanged their views on regional situations in the Middle East, Mediterranean and Sahel, stressing close coordination to address geopolitical challenges through communication and shared responsibility. The changing partnership indicates Morocco’s growing significance in EU regional strategy over traditional migration concerns.
North Africa Post, Maghrebi.org
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