EU Commission Directs Funding to Morocco’s Immediate Relief Efforts

Rabat – The EU Commission urges worldwide solidarity amid the COVID-19 crisis, exemplifying its “stable and reliable” partnership with Morocco, to which it will redirect funding for immediate relief efforts.

“Morocco is not only an immediate neighbor, but also a stable and reliable partner which acted quickly to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Oliver Varhelyi, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy on July 3, as quoted by Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).

Varhelyi highlighted the EU’s support for Morocco under its current state of emergency and explained the latest decisions surrounding the management of allocated funds.

“In this context and using the flexibility offered by existing budgetary rules, the Commission has decided to redirect 450 million euros of funds already allocated to Morocco to meet short-term emergency needs, as well as possible impacts on Moroccan society and economy.”

The EU Commissioner stressed the need for universal solidarity in order to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, “because the battle to defeat the virus internally can only succeed if the virus is defeated in the world.”

Varhelyi added, “a strong and comprehensive European response consists in maintaining the fundamental values of the EU, as well as the consolidation of its strategic interests.”

“This is particularly true when we speak of the European neighborhood where Morocco is a stable and reliable partner.”

In March, the EU allocated an additional €450 million to its Moroccan budget with the intention of supporting the country to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the total sum, €150 million was put towards immediate response efforts, while €300 million was to be mobilized at a later date.

As Morocco transitions beyond nationwide lockdown measures and begins implementing programs to support the numerous sectors impacted by the state of emergency, the EU is showing cooperation and flexibility in their cause to enable socio-economic progress during challenging times.