The European Union has announced a €200 million ($210 million) aid package to support Morocco in its recovery following the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on September 8, 2023. The earthquake, the deadliest in Morocco since 1960, claimed more than 2,900 lives and caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure across the country.
Oliver Varhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, confirmed the funding during a visit to Rabat, where he met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Varhelyi also revealed that the total EU contribution to Morocco’s reconstruction efforts will rise to €1 billion, underscoring the EU’s continued commitment to its partnership with Morocco.
In response to the earthquake’s destruction, Morocco has unveiled a five-year reconstruction plan aimed at upgrading its infrastructure, including roads, housing, and public facilities. The Moroccan government has pledged to make substantial investments in the rebuilding process, ensuring long-term resilience for affected regions.
The EU’s support for Morocco comes amid a period of strained relations following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice. The court annulled key trade agreements between the EU and Morocco involving agricultural and fishing products from the disputed Western Sahara region, complicating diplomatic ties between the two parties. Morocco considers Western Sahara part of its sovereign territory, while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks independence for the region.
Despite the judicial setback, Varhelyi and Bourita emphasized the importance of maintaining strong EU-Morocco relations. In response to the legal challenges, Minister Bourita reiterated Morocco’s stance that it will not enter into partnerships that undermine its territorial integrity. He further stressed the need to shield the relationship from external judicial interference.
While Morocco navigates its ties with the EU, it has strengthened its diplomatic and economic relations with Spain and France, both of which have supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, signaling a shift in regional alliances.