A recent study by the Spanish Institute for Migration Analysis (IEAM) has recommended that Spain follow Italy's lead in its dealings with Algeria, particularly in the areas of migration and security. The study notes that Algeria's approach to managing migration differs significantly from that of Morocco, with Algeria opting for bilateral agreements rather than general memoranda with the European Union. This approach has led to a strong partnership with Italy, which has been successful in preventing illegal migration and promoting cooperation on security and border control.
The study highlights the importance of Algeria as a partner for Europe in managing migration, citing its geographical location as a gateway to Africa and its large land area. The country's borders with Mali, Niger, and Libya make it a critical point in the migration route to the Mediterranean, and the study stresses that what happens south of Algeria can have a significant impact on migration routes. As a result, the study argues that Algeria is an essential part of the European migration system and that its cooperation is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by illegal migration.
The Italian model of cooperation with Algeria has been cited as an example of best practice, with the two countries developing a partnership that goes beyond just preventing illegal migration. The study notes that Italy has worked with Algeria to develop a cooperation that includes security, border control, and migration flow management, making Algeria an important partner for Italy in the Mediterranean. This approach has allowed Italy to benefit from Algeria's cooperation in areas such as energy, particularly gas.
The study also emphasizes the need for Spain to move beyond simply preventing the arrival of illegal migrants and to focus on providing legal migration pathways, job opportunities, training, and improving economic and security conditions in source countries. This approach, the study argues, is more effective in addressing the root causes of migration and can help to reduce the pressure on European countries. The study notes that Algeria is not just a transit country for migrants but has also become a receiving country, a transit country, and a security actor in migration management.
According to the study, the Spanish approach to Algeria has been hampered by years of tension, mainly related to the change in Spain's position on the Western Sahara issue. However, bilateral relations have improved since the beginning of 2026, and the study suggests that Madrid can now catch up with Italy in terms of cooperation with Algeria. The study notes that there is a coordination mechanism between Italy, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia in the fields of security cooperation, combating terrorism, and human trafficking.
The study highlights the importance of the triple equation of migration, gas, and security in making Algeria a fundamental actor in North Africa. The study argues that Algeria's role in this regard differs significantly from that of Morocco, and that Spain should take advantage of the current situation to strengthen its relations with Algeria. The study notes that Italy has already benefited from its relations with Algeria in terms of energy, particularly gas, and that Spain can now follow suit.
The study concludes that Algeria is an unavoidable partner in managing Mediterranean migration and that the Italian model of cooperation is the most appropriate for other European countries to follow. The study suggests that Spain should hasten to conclude bilateral agreements with Algeria, similar to those in place with Italy, and that this approach will help to address the challenges posed by illegal migration.
Key points
- The study recommends that Spain adopt a bilateral approach with Algeria, similar to Italy's, to address migration and security challenges.
- Algeria's geographical location makes it an essential part of the European migration system.
- The Italian model of cooperation with Algeria has been successful in preventing illegal migration and promoting cooperation on security and border control.
