Brussels Maintains Morocco Migration Funds Despite Border Breach
The European Commission is doubling financial support for Morocco to €500 million through 2027 despite a catastrophic July breach that saw over 72,000 migrants enter Ceuta in two days.
According to Brussels Signal, Commission spokesman for home affairs and migration Markus Lammert reaffirmed Morocco’s status as a strategic partner during the institution’s daily briefing on September 3, confirming that EU funding for Moroccan border operations will continue through 2027.
Lammert emphasized that Morocco remains central to efforts against migrant smuggling and illegal migration, noting that cooperation with Rabat has intensified in recent years. When pressed on whether Brussels would reassess the partnership following Morocco’s handling of the Ceuta crisis, the spokesman instead praised the close coordination between Madrid and Rabat in managing the situation and returning those without legal status.
Half a Billion Euros Despite Rising Numbers
Commission documents reveal that an additional €160 million in budget support has been allocated for Morocco’s national immigration and asylum strategy through 2027. This comes on top of €222 million already committed between 2021 and 2024, plus another €190 million scheduled before the current budget cycle ends.
Brussels has earmarked a total migration package of €500 million for Morocco covering the 2021-2027 period.
Yet the funding has failed to stem the tide. Spanish interior ministry figures show irregular arrivals in Ceuta surged from 753 in 2021 to 3,523 in 2025, as reported by Spanish outlet Público. The July 30-31 mass crossing brought an estimated 72,000 people into the enclave within 48 hours, with at least 75 deaths — most by drowning near the Tarajal breakwater. Approximately 70,000 were returned within days.
Von der Leyen Avoids Public Criticism
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen notably refrained from publicly criticizing Morocco in the aftermath of the breach, instead offering Rabat additional EU support just days after the crisis. Brussels has signaled its intention to finalize a strategic and comprehensive partnership with Morocco before year’s end.
On Madrid’s emergency funding request submitted the week prior, Lammert said the Commission is treating the assessment as a priority but indicated that significant questions — both financial and operational — still require resolution by Spanish authorities.
The Commission had already indicated in early August that it was considering additional support for Spain. Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, maintains a presence at Ceuta’s port, and the Commission is examining potential expansion of its deployment.
With information from Brussels Signal
