Summary:

On 18 July 2025, The Europe Today reported that the European Commission is engaged in negotiations with Morocco to establish a formal partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in the areas of migration management and border security. 

According to the same source, the European Commission is currently considering establishing similar frameworks with Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan. Under these agreements, the EU would provide financial and technical support in exchange for strengthened border control measures and enhanced cooperation on irregular migration. 

During his visit to Brussels on 14 July for the 5th EU Ministerial Meeting with the Southern Neighborhood, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met with EU officials, including Commissioner Dubravka Šuica and High Representative Kaja Kallas. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, and defense, and reaffirmed Morocco’s role as a key strategic partner for the European Union in North Africa. 

In the same context, Šuica emphasized that the EU, now allocating €42.5 billion to the MENA region, will strengthen stability and prosperity through deeper partnerships. She stressed the importance of investing in security, legal migration, and people-to-people exchanges, while also addressing long-term challenges such as demographic change. 

Outlook: 

The recent discussions between Brussels and Rabat form part of the EU’s broader strategy to promote regional stability and address irregular migration through reinforced bilateral relations in countries serving as transit or departure points for EU-bound migrants. 

Morocco will continue playing a pivotal role as an EU partner on migration given its geographic proximity to Europe and its central position on multiple Mediterranean migration routes.  

The EU’s ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation with Rabat, along with similar engagements with Tunisia and Libya, reflect the bloc’s recognition of Morocco’s growing importance in curbing migration flows before they reach EU borders. 

As such, Morocco is playing an increasingly central role at the heart of the EU’s external migration strategy, not only as a frontline actor in border control but also as a key contributor to shared regional security and development goals. 

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