Spain's foreign policy towards the Sahel countries

In examining Spain's foreign policy, the Sahel region is still more and more emphasized in national foreign policy strategies. This North African region is culturally and, above all, geographically very close not only to Europe but also to Spain. The Sahel is understood in the work as an area in North Africa located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, which can be specifically defined as the states of Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Chad and Sudan. In recent years, Spain has introduced updated versions of a number of national foreign policy plans, where the Sahel is often praised. The aim of the work is based on the SWOT analysis to identify the reasons for Spain's high interest in the Sahel. It is thus an interpretation of the Spanish reflection on the SWOT analysis of the Sahel, on the basis of which Spain is shaping its foreign policy towards the region. The results of the SWOT analysis show that there are many reasons for the Spanish interest in the Sahel. Main reasons include the need to reduce migratory pressure, prevent security risks, use the incoming young workforce to strengthen the Spanish economy, cooperate in the energy sector and sustainable social development, spread European democratic values ​​and strengthen Spain's international position.