Morocco-EU : Brussels finances, Europe cashes in, Moroccans carry out the work
Moroccan companies could remain officially eligible for projects funded by the European Union after 2028, while being relegated to secondary tasks. The main contracts, technologies and most of the value could go to groups established in Europe.
The future Instrument for Europe in the World is intended to allow Moroccan companies to respond to calls for tenders, grants and prizes funded by the European Union. Morocco belongs to the Southern Neighbourhood, whose operators remain eligible in principle.
On Bladi.net : Morocco EU Contracts: Europeans Win, Moroccans Lose
This opening could nevertheless be stripped of part of its substance. Brussels plans to be able to restrict access to certain markets when it invokes security, its strategic dependencies or the protection of the Union’s interests.
In these situations, a European company could secure the main contract for a project carried out in Morocco, then entrust part of its execution to Moroccan companies. These companies would participate in the work, but without controlling the financing, the technical choices or the technologies used.
Contracts in Europe, tasks in Morocco
The risk is particularly significant in sectors deemed strategic, such as digital infrastructure, critical raw materials, technological equipment or climate investments.
The European project also allows, in certain cases, a grant to be awarded directly to a private company established in the EU, without an open call for competition. A Moroccan company could then not submit a bid to obtain the main contract.
This development is analysed in the report “Tied aid and strategic procurement” published by the European Parliament, at the request of its Development Committee.
Its authors fear that European preference could turn local companies into mere subcontractors. European groups would retain the most profitable contracts, while Moroccan operators would take responsibility for part of the execution with lower margins and less decision-making power.
Morocco could also remain dependent on the European contractor after the project is delivered. Maintenance, updates, spare parts and access to technologies could continue to be billed by the original supplier.
This arrangement would limit skills transfers and prevent Moroccan companies from moving up the value chain. Some of the skilled jobs, revenues and technological ownership generated by European funding would thus remain in Europe.
The report therefore recommends guaranteeing genuine participation by local suppliers, beyond simple subcontracting. It notably calls for technology transfers, knowledge sharing and a guaranteed place for companies from the beneficiary country.
On Bladi.net : Morocco EU contracts: Brussels funds, Europeans win deals
The study does not represent the official position of the European Parliament. Nevertheless, it warns that Morocco could host and carry out projects funded by Brussels without its own companies being the main beneficiaries.