The migration crisis in Ceuta has driven negotiations over a partnership agreement between the European Union and Morocco. Brussels hopes to conclude the deal before the end of this year, according to Euronews citing EU sources.
The EU's objective is for Morocco to tighten its border controls to prevent new mass migrant arrivals like the one that occurred in Ceuta last July. The government of Ceuta and the Spanish central government continue to deal with the consequences of that crisis.
Although the exact amount has not been disclosed, EU sources told Euronews that funding would increase. They cited as a reference the memorandum that the European Commission signed with Egypt in 2024, which included a package of 7,400 million euros in financing and investments aimed at boosting the economy, managing migration and reinforcing regional stability.
Negotiations with Rabat had been underway for years but remained blocked until January 2026, when a meeting in Brussels led both sides to relaunch talks. The delay was due to the dispute over Western Sahara, according to the information cited.
EU officials denied that the Ceuta crisis accelerated work on the partnership agreement, which was expected to be concluded by year-end in any case. However, they acknowledged that it prompted Brussels to increase resources dedicated to security, migration and border management, effectively facilitating the conclusion of the pact.
