EU/Morocco framework agreement: participation of Morocco in Union programmes. Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association EC/Morocco

PURPOSE: to conclude a Protocol to the EU-Morocco Euro-Mediterranean Agreement on the general principles for the participation of Morocco in Union programmes.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: the Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, on a framework agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco on the general principles for the participation of the Kingdom of Morocco in Union programmes was signed on behalf of the Union.

It is now necessary to conclude the protocol on behalf of the Union.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was carried out.

LEGAL BASE: Article 217, in conjunction with point (a)(i) of Article 218(6) and the second subparagraph of Article 218(8) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

CONTENT: under this draft Decision, the Protocol to the EU-Morocco Euro-Mediterranean Agreement on the general principles for the participation of Morocco in Union programmes is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

The text of the Protocol is attached to the Decision (see Council doc. 12711/10).

For details of the content of the Protocol please refer to the previous initial legislative document dated 17/05/2010.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: the proposal has no implications for the Union’s budget. Morocco shall make a financial contribution to the general budget of the European Union corresponding to its participation in specific programmes. To finance its participation, Morocco may apply for external assistance on the basis the Regulation laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument or pursuant to any similar Regulation providing for Union external assistance to Morocco.