Morocco and its European counterparts have embarked on a new phase of collaboration in water resource management. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Rabat, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, in conjunction with the European Union, Germany, Italy, and France, inaugurated an ambitious support program for the National Water Plan (PNE). This initiative boasts a substantial total funding of 3.7 billion Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to approximately 348 million euros.

The launch ceremony saw the participation of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, alongside representatives from the European partner nations. This groundbreaking program aligns with the “Team Europe” approach, which seeks to synchronize the efforts of the European Union and its member states on vital strategic projects.

The financial framework for this program includes 514.4 million dirhams in grants from the European Union (EU). This is further bolstered by nearly 3.2 billion dirhams in concessional loans, secured through three prominent European financial institutions: the German development bank KfW, Italy’s Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which leads the overall funding mechanism.

This comprehensive program is designed to assist Morocco in executing its national water policy, focusing on four crucial areas: enhancing understanding of hydric resources amidst climate change impacts; strengthening the management of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods; safeguarding underground water reserves; and developing the institutional capabilities of stakeholders within the water sector.

A significant technical assistance component will complement these objectives, fostering the exchange of expertise between Moroccan and European partners.

During his address, Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, emphasized that water represents both a precious heritage to be safeguarded for future generations and a strategic national sovereignty issue, given its prioritization at the highest levels of government.

In response to the persistent drought episodes affecting the Kingdom, the Minister highlighted Morocco’s proactive strategy, which involves anticipation and decisive action, progressively transforming its water management paradigm. He affirmed that this new program will significantly enhance the nation’s resilience against the adverse effects of climate change and ensure sustainable stewardship of its water resources.

For the European Union, this initiative underscores its commitment to supporting Morocco in the sustainable management of its natural resources. Dimiter Tzantchev, the EU Ambassador to Morocco, stated that the program perfectly aligns with the core tenets of the Morocco-EU Green Partnership and the Pact for the Mediterranean, both of which prioritize climate resilience and water management in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. He noted that the “Team Europe” approach effectively mobilizes complementary financial and technical resources, delivering concrete solutions to shared climatic challenges.

Consequently, this new program reinforces ongoing efforts already in place under the National Water Plan and the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI) 2020-2027.

The ambassadors of Germany, Italy, and France collectively lauded the initiative, predicting it would serve as a benchmark for regional cooperation.

Specifically, Germany, through KfW, will concentrate its support on climate change adaptation and the protection of groundwater tables. Italy will contribute its specialized knowledge in water resource management and champion gender equality within the sector. France, via the AFD, will oversee the effective implementation of the program, ensuring the integration of climate resilience and women-men equality considerations.