EU approves 117 million euros in aid for Morocco
The European Commission has approved aid of 177 million euros for the Kingdom of Morocco as part of the 'Integrated Programme for the comprehensive reconstruction and improvement of disaster areas (2024-2028)', drawn up by the Moroccan government following the earthquake of 8 September 2023.
EU provides €225 m for the #reconstruction efforts of #Morocco after the devastating #earthquake based on the ambitious development plan of King Mohammed VI.
— Oliver Varhelyi (@OliverVarhelyi) December 21, 2023
Today’s budget support decision is another proof of the EU’s longstanding partnership w/ 🇲🇦
⤵️https://t.co/nYNUHrcFen
In addition, thanks to a joint effort between the European Union and the European Investment Bank, the latter has committed to lend EUR 1 billion over five years - an amount guaranteed by the EU - to assist Morocco in its post-earthquake reconstruction programme.
The loan, which is currently under appraisal, can be used to rebuild schools, roads and hospitals that incorporate sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, according to a European Commission press release.
The Brussels assistance will cover the specific objectives:
- to support people affected by the earthquake, in particular through the provision of renovated or reconstructed houses
- to help boost public services (in particular health and education) on the basis of functional infrastructures
- helping to revive and stimulate economic activity and territorial cohesion in the areas affected by the earthquake.
This aid fund also aims to strengthen social and environmental sustainability, reduce vulnerability and equip communities and institutions to better withstand future natural disasters, building on other structural reforms supported by EU programmes in areas such as decentralisation and access to public services - drinking water, health care, education and social assistance.
"The EU programme aims to contribute to inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Morocco," concludes the official statement. For his part, Oliver Varhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Implementation, stressed that this decision "is further proof of the EU's long-standing partnership with Morocco". Varhelyi also described King Mohammed VI's post-earthquake reconstruction plan as "ambitious".
