Morocco, EU to Sign Five Cooperation Programs Worth €500 Million

Rabat – European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi is currently on a two-day official visit to Morocco to launch new support programs and discuss cooperation prospects.

Varhelyi shared the news on his Twitter account today saying that he started his two-day mission in Morocco. “We will discuss how we can deepen further our strategic Partnership between #EU & #Morocco,” the tweet read.

“Morocco is a strong partner of the EU. Working together for our common prosperity and security,” he added.

Started my two-day mission in Morocco.

We will discuss how we can deepen further our strategic Partnership between #EU & #Morocco.
Morocco ?? is a strong partner of the EU. Working together for our common prosperity and security. pic.twitter.com/zD6KQUjsDV

— Oliver Varhelyi (@OliverVarhelyi) March 1, 2023

During his visit, the EU Commissioner will also attend the signing ceremony of five cooperation programs worth around 500 million euros relating to major priorities for Morocco and the European Union including social protection, agriculture, financial inclusion, public administration reform, and migration.

The official is expected to announce the adoption of new cooperation programs worth 126 million euros under the 2022 annual action plan for Morocco, reported the European Commission.

Varhelyi will begin his visit in Casablanca today where he will meet Mohamed Benchaaboun the head of the King Mohammed VI Investment Fund.

Tomorrow, the EU Commissioner will travel to Rabat to meet Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita as well as the Head of the Moroccan Government Aziz Akhannouch.

Varhelyi also plans to travel on Rabat’s tram network.

The EU Commissioner’s visit comes amid increased tensions between Morocco and their northern neighbors, as the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Morocco for alleged breaches of press freedom.

Several Moroccan institutions condemned the adoption of the resolution, describing it as an interference in the country’s domestic affairs.

In January 2023, the Moroccan parliament held a plenary session to discuss the resolution, and announced the country’s decision to reconsider its relations with the European Parliament.