EU includes Morocco in aid monitoring mechanism for Tindouf population

The Official Journal of the European Union released on Wednesday, January 28, the agreement signed on October 3, formalized through an exchange of letters between the European Union and Morocco. This agreement involves amendments to Protocols No. 1 and No. 4 of the Euro-Mediterranean agreement, which establishes an association between the two parties.

The document underscores the EU's commitment to «intensifying its humanitarian aid to the Tindouf camps. This aid will be channeled through the relevant mechanisms of the European Union and the UN, adhering to the established procedures for humanitarian action».

Furthermore, it specifies that «the European Union will support appropriate programs in areas such as education, culture, and skills development. A regular monitoring mechanism will be established in line with paragraph 153 of the aforementioned ruling, including the joint evaluation mechanism» between Rabat and Brussels.

The October agreement indeed outlines the implementation of a «joint evaluation mechanism provided for by the exchange of letters [which] will be executed by the parties» to oversee the funding from the EU aimed at development projects in the Sahara. These projects focus on sectors such as «water, including irrigation, energy, combating desertification, and water desalination, in accordance with the principle of sustainable development».

For the record, the Polisario has rejected the interim agricultural agreement reached between Morocco and the European Union.