The European Commission has adopted budget-support assistance amounting to EUR 177 million for the Kingdom of Morocco as backing for the ‘Integrated Programme for the reconstruction and comprehensive upgrade of the disaster areas (2024-2028)', which was drawn up by the Moroccan authorities following the earthquake that struck on 8 September 2023.
Furthermore, in a joint effort between the EU and the European Investment Bank the latter has undertaken to lend EUR 1 billion over 5 years (an amount guaranteed by the EU) in order to assist Morocco in its post-earthquake reconstruction programme. The loan – which is currently under appraisal – may be used for rebuilding schools, roads and hospitals that incorporate sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure.
Working towards sustainable inclusive reconstruction
The EU's assistance will be implemented in the form of budget support and will underpin the following specific objectives:
- providing support for individuals affected by the earthquake, in particular through the provision of refurbished or reconstructed dwellings;
- helping to relaunch public services (health and education in particular) on the basis of functional infrastructure;
- helping to revive and boost economic activity and territorial cohesion in the areas affected by the earthquake.
The assistance will strive to buttress social and environmental sustainability, to lessen vulnerability and to equip communities and institutions to better withstand future natural disasters by capitalising on other structural reforms supported by EU programmes in areas such as decentralisation and access to public services: drinking water, healthcare, education and welfare provision.
By virtue of its phased multidimensional approach, the programme seeks to contribute at a later stage to inclusive, sustainable socio-economic development in Morocco.
For further information
EU-Morocco relations - Factsheet
EU support for Morocco in respect of migration - Factsheet
EU-Morocco Green Partnership: a look back over the first year of implementation - Factsheet
Quote(s)
The EU has a long-standing strategic partnership with Morocco, which provides the framework encompassing our backing for reconstruction. This new programme demonstrates our unwavering support for our Moroccan partners in the process of reconstructing the areas affected by the earthquake and making them more resilient. This is a crucial stage as we seek to rebuild whilst at the same time laying the foundations for stronger inclusive territorial and economic development in isolated parts of the country and restoring the provision of public services. This EUR 177 million programme will be supplemented by other sources of funding as part of a larger support package – total value EUR 225 million – designed to assist reconstruction efforts.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement - 21/12/2023
Details
- Publication date
- 21 December 2023
- Author
- Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations