Brussels makes Morocco a “key partner” to combat illegal immigration

Two years after the avalanche of migrants encouraged by Rabat in Ceuta to put pressure on Spain and the European Union, Brussels has decided to make Morocco a “key partner” to combat illegal immigration and facilitate the orderly arrival of asylum seekers. The Commission of Ursula von der Leyen has presented this Tuesday an action plan to reduce migratory pressure on the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic routes which is based on collaboration with Morocco.

The Interior Commissioner, the Swedish socialist Ylva Johansson, has highlighted that the arrival of irregular immigrants on the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands skyrocketed in 2020 and 2021, but has decreased considerably in 2022 (31% compared to with 2021) and so far in 2023. “Now the situation is under control”Johansson argues.

“This is thanks to the intense efforts of the EU, of the Commission, but especially I would like to mention the Spanish Government and to our key partner, Moroccowhich is a very important partner for us to manage migration together,” said the Home Affairs Commissioner.

[Los líderes de la UE condenarán el uso por Marruecos de migrantes para fines políticos]

“The EU and Morocco have a strong and reliable partnership on migration“, insisted Johansson, who thanked the Rabat government for its “constructive dialogue”. The commissioner also had good words for the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaskaof whom he has mentioned his “great leadership” when it comes to closing collaboration agreements with the countries of origin and transit of migrants.

The EU Action Plan on the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic Migration Routes set four priorities: combat human trafficking, strengthen border control, facilitate the repatriation of irregular migrants and create legal immigration pathways. The document (that mentions Morocco 11 times in just 4 pages) does not speak of financing, although Johansson assures that there will be European funds for all these priorities.

Firstly, the EU will implement an operational partnership against migrant smuggling with Moroccoin addition to multiplying efforts to combat this scourge together with the rest of the partner countries in Africa along the entire route.

In terms of border management, Brussels intends to help strengthen the capacities of Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambia when it comes to implementing concrete measures to prevent irregular departures. In addition, it will promote increased bilateral cooperation between the European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex) and Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.

Regarding repatriations, the EU wants to increase the rate of voluntary returns of migrants to partner countries, also with the help of Frontex. Regarding legal channels and labor migration, Brussels considers the launch of an association program with Morocco in terms of talent a “priority”. In addition, the EU will study whether it is feasible to implement legal migration and mobility plans in collaboration with Nigeria and Senegal.

The action plan will be discussed during the meeting of EU interior ministers next Thursday, which Grande-Marlaska is scheduled to attend, as well as at the summit of European leaders at the end of June.