EU Struggles to Repatriate 50,000 Europeans Stranded in Morocco Amid Global Crisis

3 May 2020 – bySylvanus · 1 min read

The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that the repatriation of Europeans stranded in non-EU countries is almost complete. While the institution has succeeded in these operations so far, it is still difficult for it to organize the return of the 50,000 Europeans who are confined in countries like Morocco.

"When the global health emergency reached its peak, many Europeans found themselves stranded abroad and unable to return to Europe. About 600,000 of our citizens have been affected by this situation," recalls Josep Borrell to Die Welt.

"By May 1, we have returned more than 550,000 Europeans to their families - which means that 90% of them have been brought back from abroad," adds the Spaniard. He also praised a "unique consular cooperation between the European Union and its Member States." The head of European diplomacy promised that the institution will continue to work to help the 10% of Europeans estimated at 50,000, who are hoping for return flights.

However, organizing the return of these Europeans is a difficult mission for the EU. The reason is that Morocco "still does not issue landing permits". Moreover, in the Philippines, Cameroon and India, "access to airports is difficult due to very strict exit restrictions".

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

European Union Josep Borrell Philippines Repatriation