EU’s Strategic Partnerships with Jordan and Morocco

Jordan and Morocco are poised to enter significant agreements with the European Union as part of efforts to curb irregular migration and strengthen trade relations. This was emphasized by Dubravka Šuica, the incoming Commissioner for the Mediterranean, during a three-hour hearing with European lawmakers in Brussels on Tuesday.

Šuica outlined her intention to pursue the establishment of comprehensive Strategic and Comprehensive partnerships with various third countries, contingent upon her securing a second term in charge of the EU’s Mediterranean portfolio. She stated, “We will propose comprehensive strategic agreements with each and every state, whether in the Middle East, Africa, or the Gulf countries.” She highlighted that negotiations have already commenced with Jordan and expressed optimism regarding Morocco’s participation, stating, “We believe these two nations can provide valuable assistance to us, just as we can aid them.”

Since July 2023, the EU has successfully negotiated two major agreements with Egypt and Tunisia, valued at €7.4 billion and €1 billion respectively. However, these deals have sparked considerable debate due to concerns surrounding human rights violations and democratic regression in both North African nations. Critics, including domestic political opponents and human rights organizations, have accused Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Tunisian President Kais Saied of consolidating power and fostering authoritarian regimes.

When questioned about the absence of a necessary human rights impact assessment prior to finalizing the agreements with Egypt and Tunisia, Šuica defended the Commission’s actions, stating that “time was of the essence” as both countries were “on the brink of collapse.” She asserted that this urgency justified the need for immediate action.

Šuica noted that the macro-financial assistance deals have yielded significant results, citing a “80% reduction in migrants from Tunisia over the past year compared to 2022.” While she acknowledged that assessments of the agreements’ implementation have been conducted, she remarked that the results are “of a confidential nature” and cannot be publicly disclosed.

‘There are things we have to correct’

Despite her acknowledgment of the necessity for improvements, Šuica assured members of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) that “there are lessons to be learned” from the previous deals. She staunchly defended the Commission’s overall strategy, asking rhetorically, “If we hadn’t done anything, would it be better? If we don’t engage, who will?” She emphasized the importance of EU engagement, stating, “We don’t have the luxury not to engage.” Additionally, she committed to prioritizing the issue of human rights in discussions with Tunisian and Egyptian authorities.

Furthermore, Šuica pledged to conduct human rights impact assessments before any future agreements are made and to implement robust monitoring mechanisms thereafter. She also expressed her intention to seek input from the European Parliament prior to commencing negotiations, asserting, “All our agreements will include the protection of human rights.” She firmly stated, “Without conditions, nothing will be accomplished,” and reassured that “no cent from European taxpayers’ money will be misused.”

Šuica, who previously held the portfolio for Democracy and Demography, underscored the need for enhanced measures to promote safe and legal migration pathways, ensure dignified and voluntary returns, combat migrant smuggling, and strengthen border management. However, she reiterated that these partnerships extend beyond migration concerns; they are also aimed at establishing the EU as a “reliable partner” for countries in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa through deeper ties in energy and industry.

During her questioning, Šuica was also probed about her strategy in the Middle East. She reaffirmed her commitment to a two-state solution and expressed a desire to amplify the EU’s influence in the region, declaring, “We want to be not only a payer but a player.” She concluded by stating, “We don’t want to be the largest donor for everything without having political clout.”