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Rabat – Morocco has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the launch of a new project aimed at supporting the country’s “Just Transition” to a low-carbon economy.
The project, titled “Just Transition: Economic Incentives for Successful Climate Policy and Implementation of the NDC,” was inaugurated by the Moroccan Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development.
Funded with over €10 million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU), the project will support Morocco in utilizing economic instruments to update and implement its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) – a national commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
EU and Germany hail Morocco’s green ambitions
Speaking at the launch ceremony, EU Ambassador to Morocco, Patricia Llombart Cussac, commended Morocco’s “constant determination” to embrace a greener and more resilient economic model that acknowledges the realities of climate change.
She highlighted the project’s significance in solidifying the EU-Morocco partnership on climate issues, emphasizing their shared goal of decarbonizing their economies and expediting the green transition amidst intensifying climate threats.
Llombart Cussac further elaborated on the EU’s €50 million “Green Energy” program, which forms part of their broader support for Morocco’s climate goals.
This program will complement the project by facilitating a “twinning” initiative between Morocco’s National Energy Regulation Authority (ANRE) and its European counterparts, she explained.
‘Just Transition’: Balancing opportunity and climate challenges
Echoing Llombart Cussac’s sentiments, German Ambassador Robert Dölger emphasized the project’s focus on achieving a socially and economically equitable transition towards addressing climate challenges.
“This project ensures that climate policies are fair, inclusive, and offer opportunities for everyone,” he stated, further praising Morocco’s exemplary efforts in combating climate change.
Read also: Morocco’s Pioneering Energy Transition Paves the Way for a Sustainable Future in Africa
The project will specifically address updating and implementing Morocco’s NDC in a socially responsible manner. Additionally, it aims to equip the private sector with the necessary tools to navigate the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
The project represents the culmination of an inclusive approach, involving various Moroccan ministries and development partners such as the World Bank, the French Development Agency, and the EU.
Launch ceremony highlights key themes for green transition
The launch ceremony explored two crucial themes shaping the future of ecological transition. The first theme focused on “Just Transition” as a fundamental pillar in the fight against climate change, where experts shared insights on integrating social equity into climate initiatives.
The second theme, explored by Moroccan and EU experts, addressed the “challenges and opportunities of decarbonization in the current crisis context.
Discussions highlighted the need to adapt decarbonization strategies to the pressing climate crisis, while identifying opportunities to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable economy, particularly within the framework of the Morocco-EU Green Partnership.
