The European Commission reaffirmed, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the importance of Morocco in its migration policy, emphasizing the role of Rabat in the fight against human smuggling networks and irregular immigration.
During the daily press briefing of the European Commission, Markus Lammert, spokesperson for Home Affairs and Migration, described the Kingdom of Morocco as an important strategic partner
of the European Union on migration issues. The European official added that relations between Rabat and Bruxelles in this area have strengthened considerably over recent years. This cooperation focuses notably on the prevention of migrant trafficking and the fight against clandestine immigration networks.
Revisiting the recent migration crisis in the enclave of Ceuta regarding relations between the EU and Morocco, Markus Lammert highlighted the quality of the coordination between Moroccan and Spanish authorities. The European Commission stated that it appreciates the close cooperation
established between Morocco and Spain to manage the situation in this city. This coordination is notably intended to organize the secure return of individuals who do not possess the right to stay in Spain. Regarding Spain’s request for financial aid from the European Commission to support its efforts in Ceuta, the European spokesperson stated that the requests formulated by Madrid were being examined as a priority.
High-Level Visits and Institutional Partnerships
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, carried out his first official visit to Morocco on January 5 and 6 in his current position. This visit provided the opportunity to hold substantial discussions to deepen the partnership linking the European Union and Morocco—including within the framework of the new Agenda for the Mediterranean—to face together new geopolitical, economic, and climate challenges that call for reinforced dialogue and close cooperation.
In Rabat, HR/VP Josep Borrell met with the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita; the special advisor to King Mohammed VI, André Azoulay; the Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali; the Minister of Education, Chakib Benmoussa; as well as other institutional interlocutors of Moroccan society and economic actors. HR/VP Borrell also had the opportunity to pay his respects at the Mohammed V Mausoleum. He concluded his visit at the Al Quaraouiyine University, where he was able to admire the oldest manuscripts of the Arab world.
Concrete Initiatives and Economic Integration
After being received by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, HR/VP Borrell held a fruitful discussion with Minister Bourita to identify avenues to explore for deepening and broadening the partnership linking the European Union and Morocco. This meeting resulted in concrete advances, as during the joint press conference following their meeting, HR/VP Borrell announced the launch of two new initiatives that will effectively strengthen the EU-Morocco partnership: (i) a High-Level Dialogue on security matters, in order to fight together against security and terrorist threats in our immediate neighborhood; (ii) a reinforced cooperation between the EU and Morocco in multilateral institutions, to ensure that initiatives jointly carried out by countries of the North and South allow for the relaunch of multilateral action on global challenges.
The visit also served as an occasion for HR/VP Borrell to meet with the Minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and the Minister of Education, Chakib Benmoussa, to advance in the implementation of bilateral partnerships in these two domains. Questions of identity and coexistence were also the subject of a high-quality exchange between HR/VP Borrell and the special advisor of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, André Azoulay, in order to continue building a common vision in light of regional challenges.
Economic, financial, and commercial exchanges are elements that also illustrate the concrete dimension of the EU-Morocco partnership. As HR/VP Borrell recalled, the European Union is the most important commercial partner of Morocco. Two-thirds of Morocco’s foreign trade takes place with the European Union, and more than half of all foreign investments made in Morocco come from Europe.
Geopolitical Challenges and Ukraine
Regarding current geopolitical issues, HR/VP Borrell insisted on the unjustified aggression of Russia against Ukraine as a major challenge for the entire world, which puts food and energy security at risk. While Russian disinformation claims that EU sanctions are responsible for these difficulties, HR/VP Borrell stated clearly that it is a lie, our sanctions do not target at all, absolutely not, in any way, exports of Russian grain or fertilizers.
