Brussels will uphold its financial commitments to Morocco until 2027, despite concerns over severe drought conditions in Southern Europe as reported by OKDiario.
The allocated funds, totaling 8.4 billion euros, were agreed upon three years ago and are designated to bolster Morocco’s agriculture sector, including investments in irrigation infrastructure.
This decision has sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly from Jorge Buxadé, Vox’s chief representative in the European Parliament.
Buxadé has denounced the Commission’s funding of irrigation projects in Morocco, calling for reevaluating the EU’s environmental policies and their impact on employment and agricultural viability.
On the domestic front, Milagros Marcos, the People’s Party spokesperson on food issues in Congress, has urged the Spanish government to prioritize addressing the challenges farmers and ranchers face.
Marcos highlighted the stark contrast with neighboring Portugal, which uses funds from the EU’s Next Generation program to invest in irrigation infrastructure.
Amidst the ongoing drought crisis in Europe, concerns have been raised about the EU’s support for Morocco, particularly regarding importing tomatoes treated with reportedly unidentified pesticides.
This decision has raised eyebrows given the critical water shortages affecting regions such as Catalonia, Guadiana, and various Mediterranean areas in Andalusia.
Of the 8.4 billion euros allocated to Morocco, 1.68 billion are provided as subsidies from the EU budget.
Critics argue that a similar investment could address irrigation challenges within Spain itself.
This continued assistance to Morocco, including initiatives like the EU-Morocco Green Partnership, has prompted questions about the EU’s aid allocation between its neighboring North African countries and member states.
As Europe grapples with the impact of drought on its agriculture sector, the EU’s commitment to international partnerships remains a subject of debate among policymakers and stakeholders.
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