After Ceuta, Brussels does not cut the 500 million earmarked for Morocco
The European Commission is maintaining its support for Morocco in managing migration despite the Ceuta crisis. However, the 500 million euro package covers the entire 2021-2027 period: it is not new aid decided after the July crossings.
Brussels is not calling its migration cooperation with Rabat into question. Questioned on September 3 about the consequences of the Ceuta crisis, the Commission spokesperson responsible for home affairs and migration, Markus Lammert, confirmed that European funding would continue until 2027.
The European official described Morocco as a “strategic partner”, particularly in the fight against smuggling networks and irregular immigration. He also praised cooperation between Rabat and Madrid in managing the crisis and returning people without a right to remain, reports Brussels Signal.
No suspension or review of aid was therefore announced after the mass crossings recorded in Ceuta. The package mentioned amounts to 500 million euros, but corresponds to the indicative amount planned by the European Union for the entire 2021-2027 budgetary period.
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Between 2021 and 2024, the European Union had already committed 222 million euros to migration management in Morocco. An additional package of 190 million euros is planned through the end of 2027, according to figures provided by the Commission to Euronews.
These amounts notably finance border surveillance, the training and equipment of the services concerned, as well as Morocco’s immigration and asylum policy. Budgetary support of 160 million euros intended for this national strategy is also scheduled through 2027. It forms part of the overall framework and should not be mechanically added to the other announced sums.
Brussels prepares an enhanced partnership
The Ceuta crisis not only failed to trigger a cutoff in funding. It also strengthened migration’s place in the future strategic and comprehensive partnership that Brussels and Rabat wish to conclude before the end of the year.
According to Euronews, European officials say that negotiations were already under way before the July events. They nevertheless acknowledge that the crisis led the European Union to plan additional resources for security, migration management and border control.
Ursula von der Leyen herself proposed, at the beginning of August, improving early-warning systems and strengthening the technical and financial support provided to Morocco. The Commission president then stressed the kingdom’s role as an important partner of the European Union on migration matters.
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This choice comes as several voices in Spain are calling for sanctions against Rabat. But the Commission is prioritizing the continuation of cooperation, believing that management of the European Union’s external border depends closely on collaboration with Morocco.
The 500 million euros therefore constitute neither a bonus paid after the crisis nor a new cheque granted to Morocco. They represent the European indicative package for 2021-2027, whose programmes already under way will continue to be implemented despite tensions surrounding Ceuta.