The Council of the European Union adopted a decision on 11 February 2026 authorising the signing and provisional application of an updated cooperation agreement with Morocco, enabling the country's continued participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) under the Horizon Europe framework. The decision allows the EU to apply the new terms provisionally upon signing, pending full ratification by all member states, ensuring uninterrupted scientific collaboration.
Document details and legal basis The decision, adopted by the Council (Competitiveness – Research), is a legislative act authorising the Commission to sign the agreement on behalf of the EU. It is based on Article 186 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in conjunction with Article 218(5) and (7). The agreement updates the terms of Morocco's association to PRIMA, originally established by Decision (EU) 2017/1324 and extended by Decision (EU) 2024/1167, aligning it with the Horizon Europe Regulation (EU) 2021/695.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The decision reflects a balance between deepening international research cooperation and ensuring legal continuity. By allowing provisional application, the Council prioritises uninterrupted collaboration over waiting for full ratification, which could take months. This approach benefits research consortia but reduces parliamentary oversight during the interim period. The updated agreement maintains Morocco's financial contribution to PRIMA, supporting joint research on water management, food security, and sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean.
Impact on stakeholders - EU research institutions and universities: Gain continued access to Moroccan research partners and co-funding opportunities under Horizon Europe, with no disruption to ongoing projects. - Moroccan research entities: Secure continued participation in PRIMA calls, benefiting from EU funding and networks, but must comply with Horizon Europe rules and reporting requirements. - EU taxpayers: Fund Morocco's participation through the PRIMA budget, but benefit from shared research outcomes in critical areas like climate resilience. - European Commission: Gains a streamlined mandate to negotiate and apply similar agreements with other third countries, reinforcing EU leadership in Mediterranean research cooperation.
Expected institutional follow-up The Commission will now sign the agreement with Morocco, after which it will be provisionally applied. The European Parliament will be informed of the provisional application and will be consulted for consent before the Council adopts the final decision on conclusion. The agreement is expected to be formally concluded within 2026.
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