In a landmark move for Euro-Mediterranean collaboration, the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have formalized an agreement extending Morocco’s full participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) through 2027.

Signed amid rising regional challenges like water scarcity and food insecurity, the deal underscores Morocco’s pivotal role in joint scientific endeavors.

Deepening Ties Through Science

The agreement, initialled in September 2025 and recently formalized, commits Morocco to a €6.6 million contribution over three years, enabling its universities, research centers, and businesses to compete equally in PRIMA calls.

Since PRIMA’s 2018 launch, Morocco has engaged in 132–137 of 269 funded projects, mobilizing €25.1–€25.9 million total—with roughly equal splits between EU and Moroccan funds.

Key figures at the signing included Morocco’s Ambassador to the EU Ahmed Reda Chami, European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, and Morocco’s Minister of Higher Education Azzedine El Midaoui, alongside EU officials like Marc Lemaître and Nienke Buisman.

Tackling Urgent Regional Challenges

PRIMA targets water management, sustainable agriculture, and food systems—critical for Mediterranean stability.

Ekaterina Zaharieva highlighted the partnership’s role in “fostering innovation for shared prosperity,” while Moroccan partners have already driven solutions in integrated water use and resilient farming.

This renewal builds on Morocco’s status as a committed player, positioning it on par with EU states in Horizon Europe-linked initiatives.

Broader Implications

As climate pressures intensify, the pact signals stronger EU-Morocco science diplomacy, potentially unlocking further funding and networks for innovators.

With formal procedures complete, new projects could launch soon, addressing “pressing Mediterranean challenges” through cross-border ingenuity.