European Union countries supporting migration

The European Union will allocate approximately EUR 210 million to help Mauritania reduce the number of migrants passing through the country on their way to Spain’s Canary Islands. Even though Mauritania does not border the EU, many asylum seekers pass through its territory. According to official data, 83% of migrants arriving in the Canary Islands via irregular routes pass through Mauritania. In 2023, the European Union concluded similar agreements with Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides says the European Union should consider designating parts of Syria as safe zones so that refugees and migrants can be repatriated there. Such a decision is needed to alleviate the pressure on the Mediterranean countries that receive the most refugees. Official data shows that the number of migrants arriving in Cyprus by boat from Syria and Lebanon increased by 355% in 2023 – 4,259 people compared to 937 people in 2022.

In recent years, the German government has signed numerous migration partnerships to support other countries in better migration management. In January this year, a partnership was announced with Morocco, and in February – with Nigeria, opening a migrant relief centre near Abuja. In May 2023, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a partnership with Kenya, and talks are underway with Colombia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova. Migration partnerships focus on cooperation in attracting, employing and training skilled workers.