The European Commission is in talks with Morocco to establish a strategic agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, similar to the partnerships it has already formed with Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan. According to Europa Press, the potential agreement would include Moroccan commitments in areas such as border management and migration control, alongside enhanced cooperation in sectors like the economy, energy, education, and digitalization. Dubravka Šuica, the European Commission Vice-President responsible for the Mediterranean region, confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that Brussels is working to develop an expanded partnership with Morocco, with migration policy set to be a central pillar. The initiative falls under the EU's «Global Europe» instrument, which seeks to double aid to North African countries in the upcoming budget cycle. «We are currently cooperating with Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan, and we are working on deepening the partnership with Morocco, as well as starting similar efforts with Lebanon», she said. In recent years, the EU has signed memorandums of understanding with both Tunisia and Egypt, providing financial assistance in exchange for cooperation on border control and migrant returns. Brussels is now aiming to apply the same model to its relationship with Rabat. While there is no set timeline, EU sources indicate that discussions with Morocco are still in the early stages. Formal negotiations are expected to begin as soon as possible, led by the European Commission in coordination with member states.
