Brussels, 15/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 14 April, the EU unveiled projects in Rabat to support civil society groups in Morocco which received EU funding in 2010. A total of 19 projects have been carried out in partnership with civil society organisations, with a total budget of over 73 million dirhams. In 2007-2010, the EU backed 58 civil society organisation projects for a total of 237 million dirhams (nearly €24 million), organised in thematic programmes. The EU-funded projects in Morocco cover a number of areas, like democracy and the rule of law, education, disability, underprivileged children and young people, rural development, women's issues and immigration. The EU ambassador to Rabat, Eneko Landaburu, commented that relations with civil society in Morocco have long been at the heard of the EU's partnership, rooted in Moroccan civil society's capacity to take initiatives and explain and help introduce democratic and social reform.
The unveiling of the projects took place at a two-day seminar in Rabat (14-15 April) to exchange experiences of best practice to help ensure that civil society action has the greatest impact. The beneficiaries of the current projects are asked to share their experiences of cooperating with the EU with the other seminar participants. The EU confirmed that it is planning to help partner civil society organisations in the practical organisation and implementation of their projects. (F.B./transl.fl)