The Council of the European Union has agreed to amend the EU-Morocco scientific and technological cooperation agreement to enable Morocco's continued participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under the Horizon Europe framework. The decision, adopted on 2 November 2026, updates the bilateral agreement to align with the EU's current research programme, replacing references to Horizon 2020 with Horizon Europe. The amendment also introduces a detailed annex on mutual assistance procedures, including audits and cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) to safeguard EU financial interests.
Background and Legal Context
The amendment follows the EU's transition from Horizon 2020 to Horizon Europe, which required updating the legal basis for PRIMA. PRIMA was originally established under Decision (EU) 2017/1324, which was amended by Decision (EU) 2024/1167 to extend its duration and align it with Horizon Europe. The EU-Morocco agreement, initially signed in 2016, needed revision to reflect these changes and ensure Morocco's continued participation in PRIMA, a joint programme aimed at fostering research and innovation in the Mediterranean region.
Key Provisions and Trade-offs
The amendment is a technical update rather than a substantive policy shift. It maintains the existing scope of scientific cooperation while adding stronger financial oversight mechanisms. The inclusion of OLAF and EPPO cooperation reflects the EU's increasing emphasis on protecting its budget, particularly in external cooperation programmes. This move balances the benefits of continued research collaboration with Morocco against the need for robust anti-fraud measures. The annex specifies procedures for audits, investigations, and mutual assistance, which may impose additional administrative burdens on Moroccan research institutions but are standard for Horizon Europe partners.
Impact on Stakeholders
- EU research institutions and taxpayers: Benefit from continued collaboration with Moroccan partners in areas like water management, food security, and renewable energy, which are central to PRIMA. The anti-fraud provisions protect EU funds, reducing the risk of misuse.
- Moroccan research organisations: Gain continued access to Horizon Europe funding and networks, but face new compliance requirements related to audits and cooperation with EU investigative bodies, potentially increasing administrative costs.
- EU regulatory bodies (OLAF, EPPO): See their mandate extended to cover EU-Morocco cooperation, enhancing their ability to investigate irregularities.
- Mediterranean research community: Benefits from uninterrupted collaboration under PRIMA, which addresses shared challenges such as climate change and sustainable agriculture.
Next Steps
The amended agreement will now be signed by the EU and Morocco, after which it will enter into force following ratification by both parties. The European Parliament will be consulted, though its role is limited as the amendment falls under the EU's exclusive competence in research policy. The Council's decision is expected to be formally adopted at a forthcoming meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, which oversees research matters related to PRIMA.