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Rabat – Morocco is set to receive €500 million from the European Union as part of the bloc’s financial aid to assist the North African country’s migration management efforts.
The Spanish news outlet El Pais reported that the new aid covers the period 2021-2027. The budget exceeds the previous budget the EU allocated to Morocco by almost 50%.
The EU aid will cover support for border management, joint investigations on potential irregular migration, as well as a campaign to raise awareness about the danger of undocumented migration.
Intensified cooperation against human trafficking networks will be also included.
In July, Morocco and the EU renewed their commitment to continue to intensify cooperation against irregular migration.
Morocco’s Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit received in July European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Spain Minister of Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
The three officials discussed irregular migration, recalling the tragic events that took place in Melilla on June 24.
All parties expressed regret for the injuries and deaths and emphasized commitment and engagement in a new operational partnership that seeks to fight against human trafficking, and border management assistance.
The cooperation also covers boosting collaboration with the European Commission Home Affairs services.
The EU Commission also vowed to develop migration partnerships with countries of origin, transit, and destination under the new mechanism to address sources of undocumented migration.
Spain has been advocating for further financial aid in favor of Morocco, which has been facing pressure as both a transit and a destination country for hundreds of irregular migrants.
In addition to Spain, other members of the EU Parliament have been calling on the EU to support the human migration policy of Morocco, describing the North African country as a “credible and reliable” partner in the fight against irregular networks.
“Morocco is a strategic partner for the EU. The main culprits of the tragedy that occurred in Melilla and the unfortunate loss of life are the international mafias, which organize these violent attacks,” MEP Petar Vitanov.
Spain echoed similar remarks, backing Morocco’s efforts amid criticisms about security interventions to abort irregular migration attempts.
