The European Union Ambassador to Morocco, Patricia Llombart Cussac, paid an official visit today to the El Haouz region, which was hit by the September 2023 earthquake. This visit highlights the EU's commitment, along with its Member States, to support Morocco in the reconstruction of the affected areas, reads a press release. During the visit, the ambassador met with the Governor of the El Haouz Province and visited the Achbarou weaving cooperative, where women benefit from a literacy program funded by the EU. She continued her tour in Tinmel, where she learned about the vernacular architecture reconstruction techniques implemented by the local population, with support from the Turath association and Social Infra Ventures, funded by AECID (Spanish Cooperation). She also visited the 12th-century Tinmel mosque, severely damaged by the earthquake, where a diagnostic study for its restoration and preservation was supported by Italy. The ambassador reaffirmed the EU's commitment, stating: «We remain firmly engaged with Moroccan authorities and civil society to support the reconstruction and sustainable development of the earthquake-affected areas. Our partnership remains solid and reliable, even in the most difficult times». Since the aftermath of the earthquake, and in line with royal instructions, the EU has mobilized to support Morocco's efforts in rebuilding the affected regions. It has provided financial support of 2.4 billion dirhams for housing rehabilitation, access to essential public services, particularly in education and healthcare, and the economic recovery of the region. Additionally, a loan guaranteed by the EU of up to €1 billion, granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB), has been allocated to the reconstruction of key infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and roads.
