Assessing the EU Global Strategy: A Case Study of EU-Morocco Partnership on Irregular Migration

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of the EU Global Strategy in achieving peace and security objectives through societal and state resilience, focusing on the EU-Morocco Partnership on Irregular Migration as a case study. Irregular migration has become a significant concern for the EU's security and stability in recent years, and while traditionally addressed through a security-focused approach, the EUGS advocates for a more comprehensive strategy. The paper argues that addressing the root causes of irregular migration and fostering mutual interests and sustainable security cooperation with neighboring countries, particularly in Africa, is essential for long-term solutions. Utilizing a Critical Constructivist framework, the study identifies inconsistencies between the EU's Global Strategy and its actual practices, as well as challenges related to Morocco's domestic development that mirror the EU's limited relational power. Additionally, the paper highlights a lack of balance of interests between the EU and Morocco in the EU's externalization policy, which poses further challenges to the effectiveness of the EU in managing irregular migration. The predominance of a security-dominated approach, coupled with the selective prioritization of strategic interests, poses obstacles to achieving the objectives outlined in the EU Global Strategy concerning Morocco and its impact on local and transit migrants.