European Union signs agreements with Maghreb countries to regulate migrant arrivalsThe European Union is making agreements with North African countries in an attempt to prevent migrants from arriving at its borders, a strategy criticized by human rights activists and of questionable effectiveness. But European leaders are eager to show their firmness on illegal immigration three months before parliamentary elections in which polls predict a surge of the far right.
To reduce the flow of refugees, Europe is offering $5 billion to $6 billion in aid. Such an agreement has already been made with Tunisia. The Europeans expect countries of origin or transit of migrants to stop leaving and readmit their citizens.
