Ahmed Reda Chami stresses dialogue after EU Parliame

09:30

Morocco is calling for continued engagement with the European Union following the European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution concerning the mass migration events in Ceuta at the end of July, with Ambassador Ahmed Reda Chami emphasizing dialogue and practical cooperation as the preferred way forward.

Speaking to Morocco’s official news agency MAP after the vote, Chami, Morocco’s ambassador to the European Union and NATO, argued that a sustained and constructive dialogue remains essential to addressing shared challenges, identifying areas of cooperation and building longer-term solutions.

The European Parliament adopted its resolution on September 17 by 339 votes to 225, with 16 abstentions. The text focuses on strengthening the European Union’s external borders, addressing irregular crossings and reinforcing cooperation with Morocco and Spain on migration management.

Migration cooperation at the centre of the debate

For Chami, migration management cannot be reduced to occasional diplomatic exchanges. He stressed the need for continuous operational coordination, regular dialogue and joint efforts aimed at producing durable solutions.

His remarks come as the EU continues to examine the consequences of the large-scale crossings into Ceuta on July 30 and 31. The European Parliament has called for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and closer cooperation between Spain and Morocco, including on returns and readmission procedures.

The European Parliament’s resolution also expresses support for Ceuta and Melilla and calls for the return of people who do not have the legal right to remain in the European Union, while stressing compliance with European and international law.

Rabat rejects claims of condemnation

Chami presented the adopted resolution as different from some interpretations circulating in public debate. According to the Moroccan ambassador, the text does not formally condemn Morocco or issue an injunction against the country.

He also pointed to the rejection of several amendments that he described as hostile to Morocco, attributing their exclusion to what he characterized as a responsible and constructive approach by a majority of European lawmakers, including members of the Parliament’s main political groups.

The ambassador further criticized what he described as communication campaigns seeking to attribute positions to the European Parliament that are not contained in the adopted text.

A wider test for Morocco-EU relations

The Ceuta episode has placed migration cooperation between Morocco, Spain and the EU under renewed scrutiny. European institutions have framed the issue around border protection, irregular migration, cooperation with third countries and the fight against migrant smuggling.

The European Parliament’s proceedings also illustrate the political divisions surrounding the issue, with the resolution passing without a majority of the full chamber’s votes in favour. Its adoption nevertheless establishes a formal parliamentary position on the events and the EU’s approach to external border management.

For Morocco, Chami’s message places emphasis on maintaining diplomatic channels rather than allowing disagreement over Ceuta to overshadow broader cooperation. The ambassador’s call for an open, frank and calm dialogue reflects Rabat’s stated preference for continued engagement with European institutions on migration and other shared challenges.