EU and Morocco conclude PRIMA negotiations

On 25 July 2025, the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco successfully concluded negotiations on Morocco's extended participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) in Brussels (2025-2027).

The agreement was initialled by His Excellency the Ambassador Mr Ahmed Reda Chami, Head of the Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the EU and Ms Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation at DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission.

The conclusion of these negotiations represents an important step forward in strengthening scientific cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco, the EU, and other PRIMA participating countries. It further demonstrates the shared priority that both parties attach to regional stability, sustainable development, and prosperity through science and innovation cooperation.

Next steps

The European Commission and the Kingdom of Morocco are committed to continue working closely to finalise the next procedural steps required for the agreement to enter into force.

Once approved, this agreement will allow Moroccan universities, higher education institutions, research centres, foundations and businesses, to participate fully in PRIMA projects in 2025-2027. They will address some of the most pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region. Alongside the funding provided by the European Commission to PRIMA, the Kingdom of Morocco will contribute EUR 6.6 million to the Partnership between 2025 and 2027.

Background

The Kingdom of Morocco has been involved in PRIMA since its launch in 2018, participating in 132 out of 269 PRIMA funded projects supporting sustainable agriculture, integrated water management, and food security. The total funding amounts to of EUR 25.1 million, out of which EUR 12.3 is provided by the EC and EUR 12.8 by the Kingdom of Morocco , benefiting Moroccan partners.

As for funded projects, the Kingdom of Morocco has a notable 4 projects under its coordination and ranks 5^th among the 20 PRIMA country members. In regional terms, the Kingdom of Morocco is a top-performing country in the South Mediterranean.

About Prima

The PRIMA Partnership, supported under Horizon Europe, aims to build research and innovation capacities to develop innovative solutions for water scarcity, agricultural productivity, and food systems resilience across the Mediterranean region.

More information

International coopeartion with Morocco

Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)