After Ceuta, Brussels will not cut the €500 million earmarked for Morocco

Brussels is not calling its migration cooperation with Rabat into question. Questioned on September 3 about the consequences of the Ceuta crisis, Markus Lammert, the Commission spokesperson responsible for home affairs and migration, 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 reside, reports Brussels Signal.

No suspension or review of aid was therefore announced after the mass crossings recorded in Ceuta. The allocation mentioned amounts to €500 million, but corresponds to the indicative amount planned by the European Union for the entire 2021–2027 budget period.

On Bladi.net : Despite the Ceuta crisis, only 3.1% of Spaniards want to break off relations with Morocco

Between 2021 and 2024, the European Union had already committed €222 million to migration management in Morocco. An additional allocation of €190 million is planned through the end of 2027, according to figures provided by the Commission to Euronews.

These amounts notably fund border surveillance, the training and equipment of the services concerned, as well as Morocco’s immigration and asylum policy. Budgetary aid of €160 million intended for this national strategy is also planned through 2027. It is part of the overall framework and should not be mechanically added to the other announced sums.

Brussels is preparing a strengthened 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 the negotiations were already under way before the July events. However, they acknowledge that the crisis led the European Union to provide more 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 emphasized the kingdom’s role as an important partner of the European Union on migration matters.

On Bladi.net : Spain could sanction Morocco, but 17,000 of its companies depend on it

This choice comes as several voices in Spain are calling for sanctions against Rabat. But the Commission favors maintaining cooperation, believing that management of the European Union’s external border depends closely on Moroccan collaboration.

The €500 million therefore constitute neither a bonus paid after the crisis nor a new check granted to Morocco. They represent the European indicative allocation for 2021–2027, whose programs already under way will continue to be implemented despite tensions surrounding Ceuta.