About: North Africa
The pandemic in the Maghreb region: should Europe be worried?
Although the case numbers and death toll in the Maghreb remain low, Covid-19 threatens economic and political stability in the region. Should Europe be worried, questions James Moran.
Africa and Europe need a new, win-win, migration deal
Despite the war in Libya and the coronavirus outbreak, irregular migration from North Africa towards the southern European shores remains inevitable. This could be mitigated by implementing pre-planned migration schemes and easier visa procedures, writes Mourad Teyeb
EU-Morocco: stage set for a new partnership
EU/Morocco relations have enjoyed a resurgence after a period in the doldrums. Now they can move forward towards an ambitious partnership, writes James Moran.
EU lowers its ambitions on African migration control
EU leaders asked the Commission in June to study ways to set up “regional disembarkation platforms” in North African countries, for migrants rescued by European vessels in the Mediterranean. But the demand didn't last long and the EU seems to have quietly lowered its ambitions on migration-control deals with North Africa.
Migration control still trumps African ‘partnership of equals’
Less than a month after Jean-Claude Juncker’s State of the Union talked of the need for a ‘partnership of equals’ between Africa and the European Union, migration control was once again the main prism through which the EU views Africa...
African leaders set up migration body, reject EU migrant ‘platforms’
African leaders have announced the creation of a new body to help coordinate national policies on migration, but rejected EU plans to set up migrant “disembarkation platforms” on their soil.
Building a fair and prosperous space on the two shores of Mediterranean
Economic development, migration flows, social justice and cohesion, radicalisation and terrorist threats, democratic transition, and rule of law - the challenges facing the Euro-Mediterranean region are numerous and growing, writes MEP Enrique Guerrero Salom.
Getting serious in the Sahel
Combating Islamic terrorism in the Sahel region has united Europe and the wider international community. Most attention has been focused on the G5 Sahel joint military operation which has been tasked with combating jihadist groups in the region.
Now is the time to support Tunisia’s fragile democracy
Tunisia is at a turning point, which makes now the perfect time to support its vibrant but fragile democracy and turn it into one of Europe's strongest allies in the region, write Frédérique Ries and Fulvio Martusciello.
Italian prosecutor investigating NGO rescuers says has no proof of wrongdoing
An Italian prosecutor who began an investigation into possible ties between humanitarian organisations that rescue migrants at sea and Libya-based people smugglers said on Wednesday (3 May) he had no proof of any wrongdoing.
Western Sahara needs more from the EU
The EU must fulfil its responsibilities in accordance with international law to ensure that the Saharawi people are given the opportunity to exercise our right to self-determination, writes Mohamed Sidati.
Lawmakers slam diversion of EU aid to ‘Trust Fund for Africa’
A little under a year since its launch, the EU’s Trust Fund for Africa is largely financed with EU development money and has failed to convince MEPs. EURACTIV France reports.
Electrifying Africa: The challenge of the century
As the COP 22 in Marrakesh approaches, and with energy at the heart of the development and climate debate, economic actors are focusing their efforts on bringing power to the African continent. EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.
Morocco asks for EU help in fight against ISIS
Rabat has urged Europe to help stabilise North Africa, as ISIS steps up its efforts to recruit young Moroccans through social media.
EU to train Libyan coast guard to fight refugee smuggling
The European Union agreed yesterday (23 May) to broaden the mandate of its naval mission to combat refugee smuggling off Libya by agreeing to train the Libyan coast guard and navy.Creating Europe’s ‘Plan A’ for North Africa
Europeans managed a respectable initial response: they got themselves smartly on "the right side of history" during the Arab Spring. But 18 months on, there is less cause for satisfaction, say Nick Witney and Anthony Dworkin.Democratisation in the neighbourhood: noble declarations and unavoidable dilemmas
Katarzyna Pe?czy?ska-Na??cz analyzes the unavoidable dilemmas that prevent the EU from consistently applying its democratic values in its relations with its neighbourhood.