Brussels is moving to tighten restrictions on asylum applications from citizens of Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, a shift that has sparked debate over human rights concerns and European cooperation on migration policy.
The European Parliament adopted two texts on February 10, 2026, paving the way for the changes, according to RFI. The move comes as the EU seeks to limit irregular migration flows and comes amid increasing scrutiny of its asylum procedures.
Meanwhile, the European Union is increasingly backing Morocco’s proposed autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a move that has drawn criticism from some within the European Parliament. The shift reflects a growing alignment between the European Commission and the Council, with both now advocating for continued negotiations with Rabat “without preconditions and on the basis of the plan d’autonomie proposed by Morocco,” as stated in a recent assessment of the situation. This development marks a significant change, as the Moroccan plan is now considered the exclusive framework for negotiations and a key reference point for European diplomacy and investment.
The change in stance from the Council – representing the 27 EU member states – was particularly notable, as it had previously been more hesitant. Support for the Moroccan plan has grown over time, with countries like Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden explicitly backing the proposal. On October 31, France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia all voted in favor of Resolution 2797, signaling a unified front. Europesays.com reports that the next major test will be the examination of the EU-Morocco agricultural agreement.
The European Commission has consistently expressed its support for Morocco, with officials like High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and the Commissioner for the Mediterranean reinforcing this position alongside Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The evolving situation also comes as 29 members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns over what they perceive as an increasingly authoritarian trend within the European Commission, particularly in relation to the EU-Morocco agreement, according to Afrik.com. This underscores the internal tensions within the EU regarding its approach to foreign policy and trade negotiations.
The shift in policy regarding asylum seekers from North Africa and the increased support for Morocco’s position on Western Sahara are likely to have significant implications for regional stability and migration patterns. The development underscores growing regional tensions and could influence future diplomatic talks.
