Europe is set to boost its support for Morocco, increasing the budget to 500 million euros to cooperate on migration through 2027, according to community sources cited by Europa Press. This move comes as European diplomacy shapes its priorities with the North African state, with early projections suggesting a larger planned allocation through 2027. The aim is to secure orderly border management and strengthen efforts to prevent irregular migration, reflectively acknowledging Morocco as a pivotal partner in stabilizing regional economies and curbing illegal migration into Europe.
More than 500 million euros will be directed toward protecting migrants, improving border control, and fighting human trafficking, with specific resources to be identified. The increase marks a substantial rise in aid to Morocco, which previously received 346 million euros from the prior community budget. The push to raise European funding is framed as essential for ensuring fair and orderly migration from African countries, a point underscored by the interior ministers during the latest ministerial gathering in Prague. They emphasized the need for regular, predictable, and meaningful assistance, which has not always been sufficient to date.
Spanish officials highlighted the importance of elevating political engagement with Rabat, noting the visit by the Interior Minister plus the European Commissioner for Home Affairs to meet Moroccan authorities. The goal is to broaden dialogue with countries of origin for migration and to strengthen partnerships across the region.
Second country in North Africa for funding and impact
Rabat has emerged as one of the principal beneficiaries of European funds aimed at migration management in the North African neighborhood, ranking just behind Libya in terms of funding levels. Beyond migration-specific programs, Morocco also receives support in budgetary terms and regional cooperation, aligning with Brussels’ broader strategy for neighboring countries in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Recent years have seen significant migrant arrivals from Morocco toward Spain, contributing to the European Union’s urgency to act. In May 2021, Ceuta witnessed a large influx of migrants, including many unaccompanied minors, amid a diplomatic dispute between Madrid and Rabat. The border situation again drew attention in the European Union capital before the summer, following reports of dozens of fatalities among migrants attempting to cross into Melilla. Earlier, in late 2020, the EU allocated additional funds to address mass arrivals and overcrowding at Arguineguín in the Canary Islands as part of ongoing efforts to manage irregular migration and protect vulnerable populations. These developments have shaped EU policy and funding allocations as Brussels continues to coordinate with Rabat on migration governance and regional security objectives. Source: Europa Press and EU officials reporting from Brussels and Rabat.