Morocco youth still eye Europe despite economic boom

Young Moroccans are still drawn to Europe despite Morocco's growing economy, after 72,000 would-be migrants crossed from Morocco to the Spanish exclave of Ceuta last month.

About 70,000 of the migrants were pushed back in the days immediately after the crossing, and dozens died in the attempt. Moroccan authorities said they had taken measures against fresh calls on social media for another mass crossing on Saturday, a public holiday in Spain.

Morocco's economy grew by five percent in 2025, and the country is investing heavily in infrastructure, including preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. But experts cited deeper anxieties among young people and persistent inequality between cities and rural areas.

Youth unemployment in rural areas was 27 percent, compared with 9.5 percent nationally. World Bank figures put Spain's GDP per capita at about eight times Morocco's.

Mohamed Benaissa of the Northern Observatory for Human Rights, based in the Moroccan region bordering Ceuta, told AFP that many of those who crossed were in “relatively acceptable socio-economic situations”. He said the crossing pointed to a “crisis of confidence in the future” and in institutions' ability to guarantee social protection and equal opportunity.

Sociologist Soumaya Naamane Guessos told AFP that the image of a “European El Dorado” remains strong in Morocco and that social media amplifies the idea of Europe as a place of success and upward mobility.

A recent survey by the Northern Observatory for Human Rights found that 74 percent of 500 young people living near the border followed accounts or content related to preparing to emigrate. Morocco has also seen youth-led protests calling for better health and education services.