EU, European Partners Launch €348 Million Water Support Program for Morocco
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The European Union, in partnership with Germany, Italy, and France, on Tuesday launched a new €348 million (MAD 3.7 billion) program to support Morocco’s National Water Plan and strengthen the country’s resilience to increasing water-related challenges caused by climate change and prolonged drought.
The initiative, implemented under the “Team Europe” approach, combines EU grant funding with concessional loans from major European development institutions. The program is designed to help Morocco improve water resource management, enhance climate resilience, protect groundwater reserves, and strengthen governance in the water sector.
The funding package includes approximately €48 million (MAD 514.4 million) in grants from the European Union, alongside around €300 million (MAD 3.25 billion) in concessional loans provided through the JEFIC framework. The financing will be delivered by Germany’s development bank KfW, Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and the French Development Agency (AFD).
According to officials, the program will support the implementation of Morocco’s National Water Plan by advancing reforms in water planning and infrastructure, improving responses to extreme weather events, and reinforcing institutional capacities. It also includes technical assistance aimed at facilitating knowledge-sharing and expertise exchange between European and Moroccan partners.
The launch comes as Morocco continues to face mounting pressure on its water resources following several consecutive years of drought between 2017 and 2025, coupled with growing demand for water across the country.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka described water as a strategic national priority that must be safeguarded for future generations. He said Morocco has already begun transforming its water management model to improve resilience to climate-related shocks and ensure sustainable use of water resources.
EU Ambassador to Morocco Dimiter Tzantchev said the initiative demonstrates the strength of EU-Morocco cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Green Partnership and broader Mediterranean collaboration. He noted that the program seeks to deliver practical and sustainable solutions that directly benefit citizens.
Representatives of Germany, Italy, and France also reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership. Germany highlighted the importance of climate adaptation measures and groundwater protection, while Italy emphasized its expertise in water management as part of its broader engagement strategy in Africa. France underscored its focus on climate resilience and the promotion of gender equality in development initiatives.
The new program forms part of broader cooperation efforts between Morocco and the European Union aimed at addressing shared environmental challenges, strengthening water security, and advancing sustainable development across the Mediterranean region.
