Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced a €210 million fund for Mauritania. She revealed this in Nouakchott with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
This fund aims to enhance migration management. Von der Leyen applauded Mauritania for aiding migrants on the dangerous Atlantic route.
She stressed the need for closer EU-Mauritania cooperation on border control, migrant returns, refugee aid, and youth opportunities.
A joint declaration and a roadmap, to be finalized by spring, will guide this cooperation, promising over €210 million by year’s end.
The EU will also raise its security support for Mauritania by €40 million. This will help secure the Mali border.
Von der Leyen noted that instability and economic issues drive migration, often leading migrants to Mauritania first.
She praised Mauritania for hosting 150,000 Malian refugees, showcasing their hospitality during a press conference with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.
This EU funding is a strategic step towards tackling migration causes and enhancing regional stability.
It recognizes Mauritania’s key role in managing Africa-to-Europe migration flows. The initiative aims to improve conditions locally, reducing risky migrations.
By focusing on security and economic opportunities, the EU and Mauritania seek to foster a safer, more prosperous region.
This effort comes as Europe prioritizes managing migration, highlighting the importance of partnerships.
The strategy aligns with the EU’s approach to African nations, focusing on shared goals and equality.
Investing in youth is vital for long-term stability and breaking the cycle of migration due to local opportunity shortages.
In short, this approach represents a significant move in collaborative migration management, emphasizing international cooperation’s role in addressing complex issues.