The European Union has pledged €200 million to assist Morocco with post-earthquake reconstruction, bringing total aid to €1 billion. Despite this support, relations between Morocco and the EU are strained due to a legal dispute over Western Sahara and trade agreements.
The European Union has pledged €200 million ($210 million) to assist Morocco in rebuilding after the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on September 8, 2023. The announcement was made by EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, during a press conference in Rabat on Monday.
The earthquake, Morocco's deadliest since 1960, killed over 2,900 people and caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure. In response, Morocco has outlined a five-year reconstruction plan aimed at upgrading key infrastructure across the country.
Varhelyi also revealed that the EU's total aid for Morocco's earthquake recovery will reach €1 billion. This follows a history of strong economic ties, with Morocco receiving €5.2 billion in EU investments over the past five years.
Despite the financial support, relations between Morocco and the EU face challenges due to recent legal disputes. The European Court of Justice annulled fishing and agricultural agreements between the two parties, citing issues related to products from the disputed Western Sahara region.
The long-standing conflict over Western Sahara, which began in 1975, pits Morocco against the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria. Morocco views Western Sahara as part of its territory, while the Polisario Front seeks an independent state.
In light of the court ruling, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized the importance of protecting Morocco's territorial integrity, stating that "there will be no partnerships at the expense of Morocco's territorial integrity." He also underscored the need for EU-Morocco relations to be shielded from "judicial harassment."
Despite these tensions, Morocco has strengthened its ties with Spain and France, both of which have backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Ahead of the European Union leaders' two-day summit in Brussels, focusing on Ukraine, defence, and the economy, security is tight outside the EU headquarters.
EU Council has adopted its position on a regulation that will impose tariffs on remaining agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, as well as certain nitrogen-based fertilizers. These tariffs aim to reduce Russian export revenues, limiting Russia's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
The European Union will convene its 9th international Conference in support of Syria on 17 March, in Brussels. For the first time, Syrian interim authorities have been invited, together with representatives of the United Nations, Syria's neighbouring states and other regional partners.
The European Union will impose counter tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28 billion) worth of U.S. goods from next month, the European Commission said on Wednesday, ramping up a global trade war in response to blanket U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium.
The eighth summit between the leaders of the EU and South Africa will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, on 13th March.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment