Transit, cooperation, and migration policy shifts in Mauritania and the EU
The European Union and Mauritania announced a shared declaration on Thursday to initiate a migration partnership aimed at shaping how people move between Africa and Europe. Delegations traveled to Nouakchott, the Mauritanian capital, including Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain’s Interior Minister, and Nicole de Moor, Belgium’s Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration. The document outlines a commitment to reduce irregular migration and to counter the networks that organize dangerous journeys, establishing a framework for closer collaboration on border management, returns, and asylum processes.
Key elements of the agreement emphasize intensified cooperation on return and readmission for Mauritanians who lack residence status in Europe or a valid visa. The pact also signals deeper interaction with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and includes provisions to expand employment opportunities in Mauritania. Additionally, it calls for strengthening reception facilities and support systems for asylum seekers and refugees, reinforcing humanitarian capabilities alongside security objectives.
Officials highlighted that the plan would enable tighter joint action against traffickers, with Johansson commending Mauritania’s already robust anti-trafficking efforts. Grande-Marlaska described the bilateral coordination as one of the clearest examples of operational cooperation between Europe and Africa and underscored Nouakchott’s role as a strategic partner in regional mobility management.
In just a short period, Spain and the European Union have elevated migration cooperation with Mauritania through a series of high-level exchanges. During the previous three months, several official visits occurred. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares visited in December; Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez traveled in February; and Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska met with Mauritanian counterparts again this Thursday. Across these trips, the core aim appears to be addressing the rising number of departures from Mauritania toward the Canary Islands and the wider risks associated with those journeys.
Mauritania has joined a broader regional network that includes Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Niger. Within this framework, the EU has sought to tighten ties and sign multi-million euro agreements on migration cooperation and investment. During Sánchez’s visit, he was accompanied by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and several new accords were finalized. Spain committed to investing 310 million euros, complemented by a further 200 million from the European Union itself, signaling a significant financial dimension to the partnership.
The collaboration is part of a broader strategy to manage migration flows, supported by regional partners who face common challenges around safety, economic opportunity, and human rights. The emphasis on investment and job creation in Mauritania is intended to address some of the push factors behind irregular migration, while enhanced border management aims to deter dangerous crossings and reduce the exposure of migrants to criminal networks.
Transit country dynamics are central to the conversation. Mauritania has become a critical launch point for many boats bound for the Canary Islands. Historical patterns show that a large share of arrivals in the archipelago originated from Mauritanian shores toward the end of one year and the beginning of the next. Observers note that relatively lower enforcement pressure in Mauritania compared with neighboring regions has contributed to this trajectory, though authorities stress the need for continued vigilance and coordinated responses to movement trends.
Recent weeks have seen changes in the methods used by traffickers. Local sources cited in media reporting indicate that intensified patrols in key ports have prompted smugglers to shift routes, moving further south toward Nouakchott in an attempt to circumvent controls. This shift underscores the evolving tactics used by criminal networks and the demand for adaptive strategies in enforcement and humanitarian protection alike.
Mauritania also serves as a transit corridor for many Malians seeking safety or opportunity amid conflict and instability in the north of Mali. Visa-free access for Malian travelers at the Mauritanian border has facilitated cross-border movement, but many migrants eventually spend extended periods in Mauritania working in demanding sectors such as fishing or mining. Reported earnings for individuals involved in trafficking arrangements have been described as variable, with some estimates indicating incomes that reflect the perilous nature of the journeys and the risks borne by those who undertake them.
The journey from northern Mauritania to the canary region remains one of the most perilous for travelers. The distance to the island of El Hierro in the Canaries spans roughly 750 kilometers, and the voyage is marked by challenging sea conditions and boats that are not designed for open-water navigation. Humanitarian groups have documented fatalities among those who attempt the crossing, highlighting the inherent dangers of these routes and the urgent need for protective measures, safer alternatives, and robust emergency response mechanisms.
Attribution: The above synthesis draws on a series of public statements and reporting surrounding the EU-Mauritania migration partnership, including official remarks from EU and Mauritanian authorities and contemporaneous coverage by regional outlets (citation: EU press materials; regional reporting). The overarching aim is to present a clear, contextual understanding of how cooperative efforts are evolving in response to migration pressures and the dual priorities of security and humanitarian protection.