Spain's financial support to Morocco amid rising military spending

At the beginning of the year, Spain allocated €2.5 million in aid to Morocco to enhance migration control efforts. This financial support, implemented by the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP), is aimed at strengthening the logistical capacity of Moroccan security forces by providing essential equipment to combat irregular migration.

The budget covers the purchase of 183 motorcycles for €660,000 and 33 vehicles amounting to €1.9 million. These assets are intended to improve the mobility and responsiveness of units dedicated to tackling migration in difficult-to-access mountainous and coastal areas. Furthermore, the contract includes the delivery of off-road vehicles, trucks, ambulances, boats, and surveillance equipment, such as thermal cameras and night vision systems.

Despite the purpose of this aid, the decision has raised concerns in the Spanish Congress. Members of the far-right Vox party, led by Santiago Abascal, have questioned the logic behind providing funds to Morocco, especially as the country’s defense budget amounts to €21 billion annually, with plans to spend up to €4 billion on purchasing 24 Apache helicopters. They asked why Spain continues to allocate funds to a government that is making significant military investments.

In response, the Spanish Executive emphasized the importance of the cooperative and friendly relations between Spain and Morocco, reaffirming that these ties are based on shared mutual interests. The government further explained that the assistance is in line with Spain’s foreign policy and international police cooperation standards, particularly as outlined in decree 732/2007.

The Spanish government also noted that these contributions comply with the General Subsidies Law (Law 38/2003) and serve as part of Spain’s security policy and commitment to solidarity within the European Union and with third-party countries.

This cooperation is considered vital in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration, underscoring the geopolitical complexity of Spain-Morocco relations in the current context.