This agreement reflects the renewed commitment of the European Union to support the Kingdom in its efforts to reconstruct areas affected by the earthquake of September 2023, specifies a press release from the EU delegation in Morocco.
Endowed with 2 billion dirhams, or 190 million euros, this European program helps to support populations affected by the earthquake, to relaunch essential public services such as health and education, and to revitalize the local economy. It provides financial support dedicated to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure and housing, as well as specific aid to enable economic actors to resume their activities.
It complements a first payment of 380 million DH (35.6 million euros) made in December 2023, bringing total aid from the European Union to more than 2.4 billion DH in donations (225 million euros). euros). Of this envelope, 1.1 billion DH (100 million euros) were disbursed for the year 2024 to support the Moroccan Reconstruction Program in general, and housing assistance, in particular, according to the same source.
A call for proposals intended for civil society organizations, with a budget of more than 60 million DH (5.7 million euros), was launched to promote the preservation and enhancement of local heritage as well as to strengthen community participation in reconstruction efforts.
At the same time, the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement in October 2024 covering an envelope of approximately 5.4 billion DH (500 million euros), the first tranche of a total loan of 10.7 billion of DH (1 billion euros), guaranteed by the European Union, in order to contribute to post-earthquake reconstruction efforts.
The signing of the “European Union Support Program for the Moroccan integrated program of reconstruction and general upgrading of disaster areas” testifies to the solid and strategic partnership of shared prosperity between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, based on the convergence of values and solidarity. This program aims to promote social cohesion, inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen the resilience of communities and institutions in the face of future natural disasters.
