A proposal to build a tunnel linking two continents is gathering momentum with fears over illegal immigration and terror incursions from North Africa being pushed aside by Europe in favour of inclusion. Representatives from the governments of Morocco and Spain will later this year front up in Luxembourg with a plan to drill through thousands of tonnes of earth to build a 40-km-long tunnel that would pass 300m under the Mediterranean Sea. While engineers are still trying to confirm the tunnel, which is tipped to open in 2025, can be built, it will come down to the politicians to solve the financial and diplomatic suitability of the venture. Top of the "to solve" list will be the potential for an influx of illegal immigrants from Morocco to Europe and with it fears of a spread of terrorism in the region, but analysts say the tunnel could be the common link that could bring the countries together after centuries of hostility. Morocco, a former French colony, is making inroads to the European community, and earlier this month the EU granted the country "advanced status", saying Rabat would benefit from all advantages of the bloc, except its institutions. The decision places it above the members of the EU's "neighbourhood policy" such as Egypt, Israel, Georgia and Ukraine. Haizam Amirah-Fernandez, a senior analyst at Madrid-based think tank El Cano Royal Institute, said there was a groundswell of movement toward "anchoring" Morocco to Europe. "There are several political dimensions in trying to link Morocco as a country to Europe. "It is good for the EU and countries that have relations with Morocco to try to help Morocco develop politically and economically." But while relations between Europe and Morocco may be warm, the EU is still worried about other countries in the Maghreb, whose residents would use the tunnel as a means to access Europe. Critics claim illegal immigration could cause problems for politicians, with thousands arriving in Europe from North Africa each year, and the tunnel could become a popular means of getting to the continent, as the Channel Tunnel was attractive for people heading to England. Also, Morocco has a tarnished record as a starting point for terror suspects entering Europe. And along with the country's terror links - several were tied to the March 2004 bombings in Madrid, and on Oct 16 Spanish police in Barcelona, Madrid and Algeciras arrested eight Moroccans suspected of helping al Qa'eda members implicated in the Madrid train bombings to flee - this has caused critics in Spain to lambast the proposal. Olivier Guitta, a Washington-based foreign affairs consultant who was born in Morocco, said terrorism needs to be a factor that is considered by politicians. "There will be easier access to the continent, and the potential of the tunnel to be a target with potential maximum casualties. It will make it easier not only to get to Spain but from there travel anywhere in the EU." Mr Guitta also said the tunnel itself could be a threat by militant groups. "Andalusia is one of the main demands of al Qa'eda, and this could be seen as a further incursion in Muslim territory." However, Mr Amirah-Fernandez said those fears should not be used to stop the project. "In the end, whoever wants to carry out a terrorist attack won't depend on the existence of a fixed link. People will always find a way to do it. "But this a project that will not take place tomorrow, and things may change by then." Planners say holidaymakers will be able to board a high-speed train in Seville and arrive in Tangier about 90 minutes later. Today, such a trip by rail and ferry takes at least three times as long. The tunnel, which has been discussed for more than 20 years, would also benefit Moroccan exporters providing faster access for moving their goods north, and European investors could be tempted into the region. If the tunnel goes ahead it will cost about ?5 billion (Dh25bn), but the price may escalate as final plans have not been finished. If all parties involved give it the go-ahead, work on the tunnel could start next year. However, a report for the two state-owned companies involved in the project, SNED (Morocco) and SECEG (Spain), has cast doubt on the feasibility of the project. Two clay sections under the sea would make it difficult to build the tunnel, and "it is not clear whether it will be possible", the SECEG president, Angel Aparicio, was recently reported as saying in the Spanish media. Mr Amirah-Fernandez said another factor that could cause problems for the project was the financial crisis. "It's a huge infrastructure project that requires huge financial resources especially at this time of crisis." Debate on the project continues, but there is still a lot of work to be done before work on the project starts. "The political support is there, but that doesn't mean it will take place," said Mr Amirah-Fernandez. "I don't know if current conditions are most appropriate for a huge project to be presented. "I don't think it will happen right now, but that could change in a few years." bslabbert@thenational.ae
