At the opening of the 20th edition of the Europe–North Africa Convention, held this Friday, May 9, 2025, in Paris, the event’s president, Mohamed El Ouahdoudi, delivered an inaugural speech marked by unusual frankness and concern about the state of Franco-Maghreb relations, particularly regarding visa policies.
Speaking before an audience of elected officials, entrepreneurs, and economic actors from both sides of the Mediterranean, El Ouahdoudi strongly criticized the current practices of the French administration, stating that more than twenty business leaders were unable to attend the convention due to visa denials.
A paradox publicly denounced
“There is a growing gap between France’s official discourse—which claims to be welcoming and open—and the actual practices that discourage Maghreb elites,” said the Convention’s president. He cited the case of a former minister who was asked by French authorities for his exact travel date before being granted a visa valid only from that day onward—June 1st. “In the past, visas were valid from the date of issuance,” he reminded.
According to El Ouahdoudi, these new procedures are counterproductive and reflect a troubling shift in attitude. “How can we talk about strategic partnership and co-development if economic actors can’t even meet in person?” he asked.
Direct consequences on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation
El Ouahdoudi warned of a growing trend among Maghreb elites to bypass France in favor of countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, or even the Gulf states for economic and scientific partnerships. He denounced the decline in France’s appeal, which runs counter to the goals promoted by successive economic diplomacy efforts.
His criticism comes within the context of an event meant to strengthen economic, social, and institutional ties between Europe and North Africa. The absence of some guests—unable to attend due to visa refusals or delays—was seen as an unfortunate symbol of a tightening diplomatic climate, despite ongoing rhetoric of cooperation.
A direct appeal to French authorities
El Ouahdoudi also urged French authorities to be consistent and align their political messaging with administrative practices. “France cannot claim to be a bridge between the two shores while raising invisible walls at crucial moments of exchange,” he insisted.
As the Europe–North Africa Convention celebrates two decades of dialogue and cooperation this year, the issue of mobility and access to international events has become more than ever a major political concern in Euro-Maghreb relations.
For the record, the convention is being held at the FIAP Jean Monnet center in Paris and brings together economic actors around seven key themes, including innovation, agriculture, energy, health, and finance. But this year, the shadow of visa restrictions dampened the enthusiasm of the opening ceremony.
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