Morocco - Q&A from the press briefing (4 June 2021)

Q : Morocco has decided to definitively resolve the issue of unaccompanied Moroccan minors illegally present in certain European countries. What is France’s view regarding this decision?

A : France welcomes Morocco’s commitment, expressed through royal instruction on June 1, to accept the return of unaccompanied minors from Morocco present in European territory.

This commitment underscores our shared determination to address, in the best way possible, this difficult issue, regarding which France and Morocco hold regular discussions that have resulted in the adoption of a common procedure relating to the handling of unaccompanied minors. This falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of juvenile courts in France.

In this context, France is fully prepared to continue judicial cooperation efforts in order to facilitate cross-border investment.

We stand alongside our Moroccan partners in order to jointly manage migration challenges in a spirit of trust and partnership.

We are continuing to closely monitor the situation in Ceuta which we hope will be swiftly resolved. The minister is discussing this issue with Spain and with Morocco given our special relationship with our Spanish and Moroccan partners. The minister spoke with his Moroccan and Spanish counterparts on Wednesday.

Morocco is a key partner of the EU, notably with respect to the issue of migration flows. France hopes that this cooperation will continue and strengthen.