The European Union has announced plans to provide Morocco with an additional €200 million to support the country’s recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck in September 2023. This brings the total EU aid package to €1 billion.
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, confirmed the pledge during a visit to Rabat. He emphasized Morocco’s role as a reliable partner, highlighting the €5.2 billion in EU investments over the past five years.
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake, one of Morocco’s deadliest in decades, claimed the lives of over 2,900 people and caused widespread damage to infrastructure. Morocco has outlined an ambitious five-year reconstruction plan to rebuild affected areas and upgrade critical infrastructure.
Despite recent tensions between the EU and Morocco over the legal status of Western Sahara, both sides have expressed a commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations. Morocco has stressed the importance of respecting its territorial integrity in any future agreements.
The EU’s decision to increase aid to Morocco reflects its recognition of the country’s significant role in regional stability and its potential as a strategic partner. However, the ongoing dispute over Western Sahara remains a significant challenge that could impact the future trajectory of EU-Morocco relations.