A study released by the Spanish Institute for Migration Analysis (IEAM) on Tuesday, September 22, advocates for an Algerian-Italian partnership across various sectors, including migration management, according to the Spanish newspaper El Independiente. The IEAM report suggests Algeria is a key partner for Mediterranean migration management, stating, "الجزائر تعتبر شريكا لا يمكن تجاوزه في إدارة الهجرة المتوسطية." Unlike Morocco, Algeria manages migration by rejecting general memorandums with the European Union, instead favoring bilateral agreements, particularly with Italy, which leads other EU nations in this cooperation. The institute also emphasized the need for legal migration pathways, job opportunities, training, and improved economic and security conditions in source countries.
Algeria's Migration Partnership Model
The Spanish Institute for Migration Analysis (IEAM) proposes that efforts to combat irregular migration should extend beyond preventing arrivals, encompassing the provision of legal migration pathways, job opportunities, training, and improvements in economic and security conditions within countries of origin. Algeria is identified not only as a transit country for migrants heading to Spain and Europe but also as a reception country, a transit country, and a security actor in migration management. Its geographical position as a gateway to Africa and its extensive land area position it as a key component of the European migration system. Algeria's borders with Mali, Niger, and Libya place it in direct contact with regions experiencing significant pressure and mixed migration flows. The IEAM considers Algeria an indispensable partner in managing Mediterranean migration.
The Italian-Algerian Cooperation Blueprint
Italian authorities have cultivated cooperation with Algeria that extends beyond merely preventing irregular migrant boats from crossing the Mediterranean, incorporating broader security, border control, and migration flow management efforts. Italy established relations with Algeria ahead of Spain, benefiting from these connections in the energy sector, particularly regarding gas, before other European nations. A coordination mechanism involving Italy, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia has been active since 2024, focusing on security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and combating human trafficking. Rome views Algeria not only as a gas supplier but also as a key security partner on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and in the Sahel region, an area identified as a significant source of irregular migration.
Spain's Strategic Interests
The study posits that the Algerian-Italian partnership model offers an optimal approach for Spain to manage issues with the Moroccan regime, which it describes as using irregular migration for political pressure concerning Western Sahara and the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. From Spain's perspective, Algeria is identified as a key player in North Africa due to its importance in migration, gas, and security, distinguishing its role from that of Morocco. This assessment comes as bilateral relations between Spain and Algeria have seen significant improvement since early 2026, following a period of tension related to Spain's position on the Western Sahara issue.
Study's Broader Recommendations
The Spanish Institute for Migration Analysis (IEAM) report suggests that the Italian model for engaging with Algeria is the most suitable approach for other European countries seeking to manage migration effectively. This model emphasizes full cooperation beyond just preventing irregular crossings, incorporating broader security, border control, and migration flow management efforts. According to the IEAM, Italy's strategy with Algeria, which includes bilateral agreements and addressing root causes of migration, offers a blueprint for how European nations can establish more stable and effective partnerships in the region. The institute advocates for replicating this approach to foster sustainable migration management across the Mediterranean.