Morocco EU Migration Policy: Belgian Expert Advocates Shared Responsibility

• Belgian expert Geoffroy Generet emphasizes shared responsibility between Europe and Morocco in addressing irregular migration.
• Morocco should be considered a 'strategic partner' for Europe in building a comprehensive migration policy, according to Generet.
• The Kingdom is deploying significant efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking networks, which must be sustainably supported by the European Union.
• Generet advocates for a response that is Moroccan, Spanish, European, and Euro-African in scope to address irregular migration.

The Mediterranean must not be viewed as a border separating two worlds, but as a space of shared responsibility.

Belgian jurist Geoffroy Generet has emphasized the importance of shared responsibility between Europe and Morocco in addressing irregular migration. Generet, who is an expert on EU-Morocco border control, believes that Morocco should be considered a 'strategic partner' for Europe in building a comprehensive migration policy. He noted that the Kingdom is deploying significant efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking networks, which he argued must be sustainably supported by the European Union.

Generet's statement highlights the complexities of addressing irregular migration, which involves multiple countries of origin, transit countries, and destination countries. He stressed that no single country can succeed alone in putting an end to irregular migration and the criminal networks that exploit it. Instead, he advocated for a response that is Moroccan, Spanish, European, and Euro-African in scope.

The expert also acknowledged the considerable efforts made by Morocco in monitoring its borders, which demonstrate a significant mobilization and firm will to assume responsibilities and commitments in the face of a complex phenomenon.

The concept of shared responsibility is fundamental in addressing irregular migration, according to Generet. He argued that it would be unfair and unrealistic to ask Morocco to solely bear the responsibility for a phenomenon that affects multiple countries. The expert emphasized the need for a permanent monitoring system capable of anticipating risks and rapidly adapting arrangements on the ground.

Generet's views are significant in light of the EU-Morocco migration cooperation, which has been criticized for being one-sided. He noted that Morocco has assumed significant responsibility on one of the most sensitive migratory borders between Africa and Europe, with results repeatedly achieved by Moroccan services in preventing the passage of irregular migrants.

The expert's emphasis on shared responsibility highlights the need for a more balanced approach to migration policy, which takes into account the efforts made by countries like Morocco. He stressed that all stakeholders in the migration issue must adopt an approach that combines firmness, prevention, respect for the law, and protection of individuals.

Generet's statement has implications for lawyers and compliance officers who operate in the region. The emphasis on shared responsibility between Europe and Morocco may impact their clients' operations and obligations in addressing irregular migration. The expert's views also highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to migration policy, which takes into account the complexities of the phenomenon.

The recognition of Morocco's efforts in combating irregular migration is also significant, as it demonstrates a willingness by European partners to acknowledge and support the Kingdom's commitments. Generet's statement underscores the importance of adopting an approach that combines firmness, prevention, respect for the law, and protection of individuals in addressing irregular migration.

Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of the emphasis on shared responsibility between Europe and Morocco in addressing irregular migration, which may impact their clients' operations and obligations in the region.

Source: Original reporting via MAP