Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, a newly formed regional bloc excluding Morocco and Mauritania, met with Italy’s Interior Minister to discuss irregular migration across the Mediterranean.
This first international meeting for the three-nation Maghreb Union focused on developing a “strategic regional approach” to manage migration flows. The aim, according to Algeria’s Interior Ministry, is to consider the interests of origin, transit, and destination countries.
Italy, a prime destination for migrants crossing the central Mediterranean, wants to see a shift from bilateral cooperation to a more unified regional strategy.
“Irregular” migration on this route surged in 2023, becoming Europe’s busiest. The UNHCR reports over 260,000 people crossing from North Africa to Europe so far this year.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, proposed improving programs for voluntary returns and establishing an information exchange system to counter human trafficking networks.
This regional dialogue comes amid the revival of the Maghreb Union, excluding Morocco and Mauritania. The original Maghreb Arab Union (UMA) dissolved due to simmering tensions between Morocco and Algeria, particularly over the disputed Western Sahara territory.
Algeria maintains the new bloc is “not directed against any other state” and welcomes participation from “Western neighbours” (Morocco). However, the inaugural meeting proceeded without Morocco and Mauritania, who declined the invitation.
