EU Seeks to Strengthen Mediterranean Ties with Jordan and Morocco Amid Migration Crisis

The European Union (EU) is pushing forward with negotiations as part of its EU migration strategy to strengthen ties with Jordan and Morocco, aiming to manage irregular migration and enhance trade relations. Dubravka Šuica, EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, confirmed that talks with both countries have begun. These agreements, like those with Egypt and Tunisia in 2023, will help tackle migration and boost regional cooperation.

Strategic Importance of Mediterranean Partnerships

Šuica stressed that the EU’s relationships with Jordan and Morocco extend beyond migration control, forming a pivotal part of the EU migration strategy. These partnerships also serve to increase energy cooperation, industrial growth, and political stability across North Africa and the Middle East. The EU seeks to become the “reliable partner of choice” for these regions by strengthening economic ties and playing a more significant political role in the Mediterranean.

Addressing Human Rights Concerns in Migration Agreements

Both Jordan and Morocco are central to the EU’s migration control strategy, as part of the broader EU migration strategy aimed to reduce irregular migration flows. Following the success of agreements with Egypt and Tunisia, which reduced arrivals by 80%, the EU seeks to replicate these results in other Mediterranean countries. However, the EU’s quick agreements with Egypt and Tunisia raised human rights concerns, with critics accusing these countries of democratic backsliding. In response, Šuica committed to more thorough human rights assessments and monitoring for future agreements. The EU is determined to balance migration management with strong human rights standards.

Šuica also clarified that these partnerships are a critical part of the EU migration strategy and are not just about migration. They are part of the EU’s broader strategy to enhance its geopolitical influence in the region. By investing in energy and industry, the EU hopes to secure long-term stability and growth for its Mediterranean partners, while also asserting its role in Middle East peace processes and supporting a two-state solution.