On the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement, in the form of an Exchange of Letters, amending and supplementing the Agreement for… scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, setting out the terms and conditions for the participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

PRIMA has proven to be an effective framework for fostering scientific cooperation in the Mediterranean, addressing pressing challenges such as integrated water management. The interim evaluation of 2023 confirmed its added value, demonstrating that it strengthens research capacities and supports the Union’s strategic priorities in the region.

In particular, PRIMA has proven to be a model of science diplomacy in the Mediterranean, a region of geopolitical importance for the Union. The partnership operates on the principles of mutual benefit, equal footing, co-ownership, co-decision and co-financing. Addressing the critical challenges of the region, where 180 million people are considered 'water poor', PRIMA's work directly contributes to regional stability, prosperity and resilience. The programme follows a long-term Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda covering three interconnected thematic areas: water management, farming systems and the food value chain, integrated since 2019 through the innovative Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems Nexus approach.

The Kingdom of Morocco has been a committed partner in PRIMA since its inception. The amended agreement aligns its participation with the new terms introduced under Horizon Europe and ensures compliance with the updated legal and financial framework. This step will allow Morocco to remain fully engaged in the partnership until 2031, guaranteeing continuity of cooperation and joint work on shared challenges.

The agreement is consistent with the EU’s external policies, including the New Agenda for the Mediterranean, the Global Approach to Research and Innovation and the Union’s climate and development objectives. It carries no additional budgetary implications beyond those already foreseen in the continuation of PRIMA under Horizon Europe.

In light of the above, Rapporteur believes that it is in the Union’s interest to conclude this agreement. This will ensure continuity of the partnership and strengthen the EU's engagement with the regional partner and reinforces the Union's commitment to addressing shared Mediterranean challenges through collaborative science, contributing simultaneously to research excellence, regional stability and development.

However, it remains necessary to take into account the competitive pressure exerted by agricultural products from the third country on those produced in EU Member States. European producers are, in fact, subject to stricter regulations, particularly environmental ones, and consequently face higher production costs. Therefore, any form of cooperation, including the scientific cooperation under PRIMA, should be based on reciprocity and should ensure adequate safeguards for the agricultural sector.

The Commission is therefore called upon to closely monitor the implementation of this agreement within the broader framework of EU-Morocco relations, in particular as regards the import of agricultural products into the Union, ensuring that appropriate safeguards are applied where necessary and that the principles of reciprocity and fair competition are upheld.

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his report input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.