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Madrid is adopting a noticeably unique direction from numerous Western nations when it comes to movement regulations and relations toward the African mainland.

Whereas states such as the US, United Kingdom, French Republic and Germany are slashing their international support allocations, Spain remains committed to enhancing its participation, even from a modest foundation.

Recent Developments

Currently, the capital city has been welcoming an African Union-backed "international gathering on individuals with African heritage". The African diaspora summit will discuss restorative justice and the establishment of a new development fund.

This constitutes the most recent sign of how Madrid's leadership is seeking to deepen and expand its cooperation with the region that sits merely a few kilometres to the south, across the Straits of Gibraltar.

Policy Structure

During summer International Relations Head Madrid's top envoy established a new advisory council of prominent intellectual, foreign service and cultural figures, more than half of them of African origin, to oversee the delivery of the thorough Spanish-African initiative that his government published at the conclusion of the previous year.

Additional diplomatic missions below the Sahara desert, and partnerships in enterprise and learning are arranged.

Movement Regulation

The difference between Spain's approach and that of others in the West is not just in funding but in perspective and mindset – and particularly evident than in handling population movement.

Like elsewhere in Europe, Prime Minister Madrid's chief executive is looking for ways to manage the arrival of undocumented migrants.

"From our perspective, the migratory phenomenon is not only a question of moral principles, unity and dignity, but also one of rationality," the government leader said.

Exceeding 45,000 individuals made the perilous sea crossing from West African coastline to the overseas region of the Canary Islands recently. Estimates of those who lost their lives while trying the crossing range between 1,400 to a staggering 10,460.

Practical Solutions

Spain's leadership must house fresh migrants, process their claims and handle their incorporation into larger population, whether transient or more permanent.

Nonetheless, in language noticeably distinct from the hostile messaging that comes from numerous EU governments, the Spanish administration publicly recognizes the difficult financial circumstances on the territory in Western Africa that force persons to endanger themselves in the effort to reach EU territory.

And it is trying to move beyond simply saying "no" to new arrivals. Conversely, it is creating innovative options, with a commitment to encourage population flows that are secure, orderly and standardized and "mutually beneficial".

Financial Collaboration

During his visit to the Mauritanian Republic the previous year, Madrid's representative stressed the input that foreign workers make to the national finances.

The Spanish government finances training schemes for unemployed youth in countries such as Senegal, especially for irregular migrants who have been repatriated, to support them in establishing viable new livelihoods in their homeland.

Additionally, it enlarged a "cyclical relocation" initiative that provides individuals from West Africa temporary permits to enter Spanish territory for restricted durations of temporary employment, mainly in agriculture, and then go back.

Policy Significance

The fundamental premise guiding Spain's engagement is that the European country, as the European country closest to the continent, has an essential self interest in the continent's advancement toward comprehensive and lasting growth, and tranquility and protection.

This fundamental reasoning might seem evident.

Yet of course the past had directed Spain down a quite different path.

Besides a limited Mediterranean outposts and a small tropical outpost – currently sovereign Equatorial Guinea – its colonial expansion in the 16th and 17th Centuries had mainly been directed across the Atlantic.

Forward Vision

The cultural dimension incorporates not only dissemination of the national tongue, with an expanded presence of the language promotion body, but also programmes to support the transfer of educational instructors and researchers.

Defense collaboration, action on climate change, women's empowerment and an enhanced consular representation are unsurprising components in the current climate.

However, the strategy also puts notable focus it places on assisting democratic values, the African Union and, in especial, the West African regional organization the West African economic bloc.

This will be positive official support for the entity, which is currently under severe pressure after seeing its 50th anniversary year spoiled by the walk-out of the desert region countries – Burkina Faso, the West African state and the Nigerien Republic – whose controlling military regimes have chosen not to follow with its agreement regarding democratic governance and effective leadership.

Simultaneously, in a communication targeted as much at Spain's internal population as its sub-Saharan partners, the external affairs department said "supporting the African diaspora and the struggle versus discrimination and xenophobia are also essential focuses".

Impressive rhetoric of course are only a beginning stage. But in today's sour international climate such language really does stand out.