Morocco is accelerating reconstruction in the High Atlas region nearly three years after the 2023 earthquake left widespread damage across mountain communities and disrupted essential services.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, has approved a second tranche of $578 million to support rebuilding efforts.

The funding brings the bank’s total commitment to Morocco’s recovery to $1.2 billion.

The announcement was made Friday in Rabat at a ceremony attended by Moroccan and European officials.

It marks a shift from emergency support toward large-scale reconstruction of schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure.

Authorities say the latest financing will help restore essential services faster while ensuring that rebuilt infrastructure meets higher safety and energy-efficiency standards.

The package, backed by the European Union, also includes technical assistance and support for local institutions involved in managing reconstruction projects.

Reconstruction moves into new phase

The EIB said its support has been delivered in three stages: emergency relief immediately after the Sept. 8, 2023 earthquake, a transitional phase linking relief and rebuilding, and the current large-scale reconstruction stage.

The program now focuses on long-term infrastructure upgrades aligned with the EU-Morocco Green Partnership, with an emphasis on resilience and public service delivery in rural areas.

EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris said the financing underscores the institution’s long-term role in Morocco’s recovery.

“This financing will support essential infrastructure that is safer, more resilient and adapted to local needs,” Tsakiris said.

Schools and healthcare remain central

Moroccan officials say restoring access to education, healthcare and roads remains the core priority of the recovery plan, particularly in remote mountain areas hit hardest by the quake.

Fouzi Lekjaa, minister delegate in charge of the budget, and Said Laith, head of the High Atlas Development Agency, said coordination between national institutions and international partners is helping restore basic services more quickly.

EU reaffirms long-term support

European Union Ambassador to Morocco Dimiter Tzantchev said the bloc remains committed to supporting Morocco beyond the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

“In a crisis like the one experienced by the Al Haouz region, solidarity is a long-term commitment,” he said.

The High Atlas recovery program remains one of Morocco’s largest post-disaster reconstruction efforts, with continued international financing expected as projects advance.

About the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank is the lending arm of the European Union, owned by its 27 member states.

Through EIB Global, it finances development and infrastructure projects worldwide.

A partner of Morocco since 1979, the EIB has provided more than $12 billion in financing across sectors including energy, transport, water, education and healthcare, supporting long-term development in the kingdom.