To remain in a European programme, Morocco opens the door to European anti-fraud inspectors

The agreement has reached the end of its approval procedure. In a note dated 7 September, the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union invites representatives of the member states to recommend its definitive adoption by the Council.

The text was already signed by Morocco and the European Union on 27 March 2026 and has applied provisionally since that date. The European Parliament gave its approval on 8 July. The Council’s expected decision should enable its formal conclusion, before it enters into force after both parties notify each other that they have completed their internal procedures.

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The issue is the continuation of Morocco’s participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area, known as PRIMA. This programme funds projects focusing in particular on water management, agriculture and food systems. The agreement concluded in 2018 had to be adapted to the new European financial rules and to the programme’s transition into the Horizon Europe framework, which Brussels also wishes to open up further to Moroccan researchers and students.

Inspections possible in Morocco

The full text of the agreement authorises the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, to carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections in Morocco. These verifications exclusively concern actions financed by the European Union under PRIMA, including contracts, purchases and aid potentially entrusted to third parties.

OLAF will have to notify the designated Moroccan authority in advance, specifying the subject, purpose and legal basis of the check. Morocco’s Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation is responsible for coordinating this cooperation. Its representatives may participate in the operations if the European office so requests.

If a beneficiary or concerned entity opposes an inspection, the Moroccan authorities will have to provide OLAF with the necessary assistance so that the check can be carried out “effectively and without undue delay”. However, this intervention must comply with Moroccan law. Joint inspections may also be organised, and Rabat must be informed of their results.

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The agreement also provides for exchanges of information on suspected or established irregularities in the use of funding. Morocco will furthermore have to cooperate with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office within the framework of the applicable international conventions and its national legislation.